From now on, patient data recorded in social services will be stored in the Kanta Services’ Patient Data Repository. This will secure better access to the data by the health care professionals providing care to the client and enable a comprehensive overview of the patient’s health, thereby improving patient safety.
Previously, patient data generated in social services have been stored in the service provider’s own social welfare sub-register.
It is the responsibility of social welfare and health care management to identify the units in which both social welfare and health care services are provided. Patient data recorded in these units must be stored in the Patient Data Repository no later than 1 March 2027.
Learn more about recording patient data in social welfare services
THL’s guidelines on recording patient data in connection with social services specify the situations where patient data are generated in an organisation providing social services. For example, home care, 24-hour service serviced housing, and substance abuse services are social services where health care services may also be provided.
The guidelines also explain what legislation says about patient documents and their generation. Additionally, they outline when social welfare service providers are obligated to record patient data and store the information in the Patient Data Repository.
The aim of the guidelines is to help organisations identify patient data generated as part of their operations.
How to start storing patient data in Kanta
Patient data recorded in social services can be stored in Kanta once the organisation has deployed the Patient Data Repository. If you or your organisation have not yet joined the Patient Data Repository, please refer to the guidelines below on how to do so.
- If your organisation is already using a client information system, contact your system provider to ascertain whether it is also possible to store patient data using the existing system.
- Before deployment, check that your organisation or company is listed as a health care provider on the Register of health and social services organisations. If not, your organisation must first register with Valvira’s Soteri register of service providers (valvira.fi).
- Note that health care providers have their own policies and guidelines for recording patient data. Allow sufficient time for preparation and staff training. Read the Patient Data Repository policies (yhteistyotilat.fi, in Finnish and Swedish).
Further information
- Guidelines for recording patient data in connection with social welfare services: sotetiedonhallinta@thl.fi
- Deploying the Kanta Services: kanta@kanta.fi
- To register and double register with Soteri: eva@valvira.fi