ABSTRACT
A client data model for social welfare was gradually developed in the National Project of IT in Social Services in Finland. The client data model describes the nationally uniformed data structures and relationships between the data elements needed in production of social services. It contains the structures of social care client records, unique core components and distinct classifications. The modeling method guaranteed the coverage, integrity, flexibility and device independency of the model. The model is maintained and developed by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) together with the social workers and other experts of social welfare. It forms the basis of the electronic information management of the social services. Implementation of the data model in information systems enables the availability of the client data where and when ever a client has to be helped.
Subject(s)
Databases, Factual , Electronic Health Records/organization & administration , Information Storage and Retrieval/methods , Medical Record Linkage/methods , Models, Organizational , National Health Programs/organization & administration , Social Work/organization & administration , Finland , Social WelfareABSTRACT
This paper describes the phases and methods used in the National project for IT in Social Services in Finland (Tikesos). The main goals of Tikesos were to unify the client information systems in social services, to develop electronic documentation and to produce specifications for nationally organized electronic archive. The method of Enterprise Architecture was largely used in the project.
Subject(s)
Health Information Management/organization & administration , Health Information Systems/organization & administration , Medical Informatics/organization & administration , Models, Organizational , Social Welfare , Social Work/organization & administration , FinlandABSTRACT
To the individual, social care can be an essential part of maintaining health, as is reflected by the WHO definition of health as being one of wellbeing. However, health informatics currently narrowly restricts itself to health organizations' activities. Digital records in social care are increasing, raising the need to recognize the area of social care informatics. This new domain needs support and nurture, whilst the delivery of social and related care needs to be harmonized with healthcare delivery. In turn, this raises important new issues as to how to best support the citizen, especially when they are dependent, including issues of information sharing, service co-ordination, sharing of meaning and objectives, and of respect for autonomy.
