# Impact of Telehealth on healthcare resource utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland

> The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on global health, resulting in a crisis with unparalleled economic, social, and public health implications.

## Overview of Telehealth Adoption in Finland
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid changes in healthcare delivery. To minimize virus transmission, Finland implemented social distancing and travel restrictions while simultaneously embracing Telehealth technologies. These included video conferencing, telephone consultations, remote patient monitoring, and web-based services. The impact was significant: Telehealth appointments in Finland rose from 3,000 in March 2020 to over 300,000 in December 2020.

This shift was supported by the government’s decision to eliminate co-payment requirements for Telehealth services during the pandemic. These technologies were applied across primary care, specialist care, mental health services, and home care within both public and private sectors.

## Benefits for Patient Safety and Access
Telehealth improved healthcare delivery by:
* **Reducing Exposure:** Eliminating physical contact protected vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.
* **Remote Access:** It provided critical access for the 14.4% of Finland’s population living in rural areas where medical facilities are scarce.
* **Efficiency:** Asynchronous "store and forward" communication allowed patients to submit information 24/7, while providers could treat larger numbers of patients, reducing wait times and increasing satisfaction.

## Economic Impact and Cost-Effectiveness
Telehealth proved to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person care:
* **Patient Savings:** Patients saved between $19 and $100 per visit by avoiding travel and associated costs.
* **Operational Efficiency:** Automation of manual processes and the use of contract-based specialists helped hospitals reduce costs.
* **Reduced Readmissions:** Remote monitoring tools allowed patients to track vital signs, helping to mitigate health deterioration and prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.

## Recommendations for Future Policy
To ensure sustainable and equitable Telehealth services, the study proposes the following:
1. **Research Funding:** Invest in research to determine best practices, develop new technologies, and overcome adoption barriers.
2. **Software Development:** Collaborate with developers to ensure platforms prioritize patient safety, data protection, and support for comprehensive services like electronic prescriptions.
3. **Standardized Protocols:** Develop clear guidelines for remote care and provide training for healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
4. **Patient-Centered Design:** Involve patients in the design process to ensure tools meet actual user needs.
5. **Continuous Evaluation:** Conduct ongoing research to identify gaps in service quality and improve the effectiveness of Telehealth interventions.

## Publication Details
* **Source:** Savi V (2023), *Impact of Telehealth on healthcare resource utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.*
* **Authors:**
    * **Victor Savi**, Student in Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Health, Savonia University of Applied Sciences.
    * **Elisa Snicker**, CBC, MSc (Econ and Bus Admin), MSc (Health Sci.), Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Unit of Continuous Learning, Master School.
    * **Liisa Klemola**, Ph.D., Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Unit of Continuous Learning, Master School.