Publications
Scientific journal:
Finnish Journal of eHealth and eWelfare (FinJeHeW), https://www.finjehew.fi
FinJeHeW is a scientific journal published jointly by the Finnish Society for Telemedicine and eHealth and the Finnish Association for Social and Health Care Informatics since 2009. The journal belongs to publication platform category 1. The ISSN of the journal is 1798-0798.
FinJeHeW welcomes scientific articles and other material related to information technology in social and healthcare services, telemedicine, and eHealth. Author guidelines are available on the journal’s website. The journal is published mainly in Finnish, but it also includes articles, abstracts, and other material in English. Manuscripts are evaluated using a double-referee peer review process. The journal publishes at least four issues per year as an online publication in PDF format. Each issue is freely available online. www.finjehew.fi.
Valtavirtateknologioita itsenäisesti käyttävien vammaisten henkilöiden eriytyvät toimijuudet sähköisten vammaispalveluiden käyttäjinä fi
Tiivistelmä
Sosiaalihuollon sähköisten palveluiden tutkimus on lisääntynyt, mutta vammaisia henkilöitä sähköisten palveluiden käyttäjinä koskevaa tutkimusta on vähän. Tässä tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan valtavirtateknologioita, kuten tietokoneita ja matkapuhelimia, itsenäisesti käyttävien vammaisten henkilöiden sähköisten vammaispalveluiden (SVP) käyttöä tilannekohtaisen toimijuuden näkökulmasta. Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on lisätä ymmärrystä vammaisten henkilöiden SVP käyttöön vaikuttavista tekijöistä. Tutkimusaineistona ovat vammaispalveluiden asiakkaina olevien vammaisten henkilöiden teemahaastattelut (n=14). Aineistoa analysoitiin luokittelemalla ja tyypittelemällä. Teoreettisena analyysikehyksenä hyödynnettiin toimijuuden modaliteetti -teoriaa, joka sopii erittelemään toimijuuden muotoutumista yksilöllisten ja ympäristöllisten tekijöiden tilannekohtaisena kudelmana.
Analyysin tulos eriytyvistä toimijuuksista on typologia: taidokkaat, potentiaalit, varaukselliset ja pakotetut SVP-käyttäjät. Taidokkaat käyttäjät ovat suvereeneja kehittäjäasiakkaita, jotka hyötyvät monipuolisesta sähköisten palveluiden tarjonnasta. Potentiaalit käyttäjät ovat palvelunkäyttäjäasiakkaita, jotka kaipaavat lisää tietoa ja tukea SVP hyödyntämiseen. Varaukselliset käyttäjät luottavat muita heikommin sekä palveluihin yleisesti että sähköisiin palveluihin. Pakotetut käyttäjät pyrkivät sopeutumaan sähköistyviin palveluihin turvautuen kuitenkin niiden, kuten yleisemminkin palveluiden käytössä, läheisten tukeen.
Tutkimuksessa esitetään, että vammaisten henkilöiden SVP käyttöön vaikuttaa henkilön aiemmalle elämänkululle rakentuva nykyinen tilanne kaikkine osatekijöineen, joista lähemmin tarkasteltiin vammaan liittyvän tilanteen sekä vammaispalveluasiakkuuden vakiintuneisuutta tai vakiintumattomuutta. Tulosten perusteella suhteellisen vakaassa tilanteessa elävien vammaisten henkilöiden (taidokkaat ja potentiaalit käyttäjät) myönteinen suhde sähköisiin palveluihin ilmenee SVP runsaampana käyttönä kuin vakiintumattomissa tilanteissa elävillä, joiden suhde palvelujärjestelmään on pulmallisempi ja SVP käyttö vähäisempää (varaukselliset ja pakotetut käyttäjät). Kaikkien tyyppien SVP käyttöä edistäisi palveluiden käytettävyyden, saavutettavuuden ja esteettömyyden kohentaminen, mutta toimia tulisi myös eriyttää huomioiden asiakkaiden SVP-käyttäjätyypit.
Abstract (English)
Research on electronic services has increased, but few studies focus on users with disabilities. From the viewpoint of the situational modalities of agency, the present study focuses on the use of electronic disability services (EDS) by persons who can operate independently with mainstream technologies, such as computers and mobile phones. The objective of this study is to enhance understanding about the contextual elements framing the use of EDS. The data were based on thematic interviews of 14 persons with disabilities who were clients in disability services. Data were categorised and classified, and the modalities of agency approach were used as a theoretical tool in order to reach the individual and contextual elements that construct the diversity of agencies.
Based on the analyses, the research participants were defined as experienced, potential, reserved, and forced users of EDS. Experienced EDS users are sovereign, progress-oriented clients who can benefit from a range of electronic services. Potential EDS users are loyal service users who need information and support in utilising EDS. Reserved EDS users lack confidence in social and disability services, including EDS. Finally, forced EDS users try to adapt to electronic services, but they need the assistance of their relatives and significant others in using them.
To conclude, we argue that the use of EDS by persons with disabilities builds on these people’s current life situations, which are based on their previous experiences and other contextual factors of which we concentrated on their disability-specific situation and the permanency or non-permanency of their clientship in disability services. According to the results, persons with disabilities who lead a relatively stable life and have a positive attitude toward EDS (experienced and potential EDS users) appear to utilize EDS more than those whose life situation is unstable and whose experiences of disability services are more problematic (reserved and forced EDS users). The latter tend to use EDS remotely and with less enthusiasm than the experienced and potential users. The willingness and ability of persons with disabilities to use EDS could be increased by improving the usability, availability and accessibility of these services, but this should be accomplished in accordance with the needs of these different types of users.
Avainsanat
Kanoninen lähde ja PDF: journal.fi. Tätä artikkelia ei ole kopioitu tälle palvelimelle.
Lisenssi: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The society's 30-year history (available only in Finnish)
30 VUOTTA KEHITYKSEN KÄRJESSÄ – Suomen telelääketieteen ja e-Health seura 1995-2025, 2025,
ISBN 978-952-65791-1-5 (PDF)
The Society’s 30-Year History
30 Years at the Forefront – The Finnish Society of Telemedicine and eHealth 1995-2025, 2025.
ISBN: 978-952-65791-5-3 (pdf)
Podcasts
eHealth & Telemedicine Today – by STeHS
What’s happening in digital healthcare right now? In this podcast, STeHS brings you conversations on telemedicine, eHealth, and the evolving healthcare landscape—featuring voices from Finland and beyond.
Innovaatiot ja yrittäjyys suomalaisessa eHealthissa
This episode was recorded live at the eHealth2025 Conference, part of the 30th anniversary of the Finnish Society of Telemedicine and eHealth (STeHS). Hosts of this podcast are Titta Venho and Anna Saranlinna.In this discussion, Kalevi Virta, CEO of eWell Oy, and Arto Holopainen, Innovation Director at the City of Kuopio, share their perspectives on the development of the Finnish eHealth ecosystem, with a particular focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.The conversation explores how digital health has evolved in Finland over the past decades, highlighting key milestones such as mobile technologies, national digital health services, and international collaboration. The speakers reflect on the opportunities and challenges faced by startups and innovators in the health technology sector, including funding, regulation, and access to real-world testing environments.The episode also discusses the role of cities, ecosystems, and collaborative networks in supporting innovation, as well as the importance of early user engagement and cross-sector partnerships. Looking ahead, the discussion touches on future trends such as artificial intelligence, data-driven services, and the increasing demand for sustainable and scalable digital health solutions.Finally, the guests share practical advice for entrepreneurs and emphasize the need for stronger strategic leadership, long-term investment, and continued cooperation between public and private sectors to drive meaningful impact in healthcare.Note: This episode is in Finnish.Full transcript is available in https://www.telemedicine.fi/julkaisut/
Vaikuttavuus digitaalisissa terveyspalveluissa
This episode was recorded live at the eHealth2025 Conference, part of the 30th anniversary of the Finnish Society of Telemedicine and eHealth (STeHS). Hosts of this podcast are Titta Venho and Anna Saranlinna.In this discussion, Mika Perttu, Director of Digital Transformation at the City of Helsinki’s Social, Health and Rescue Division, and Minna Saranpää, Customer Manager and Social and Healthcare Specialist at Vivago Oy, explore the topic of impact and effectiveness in digital health and care services.As digitalisation continues to reshape how healthcare services are delivered, used, and evaluated, the conversation focuses on how to ensure that digital solutions truly create value for patients, professionals, and society. The speakers discuss how effectiveness can be defined, measured, and integrated into service development and decision-making.The episode highlights practical examples from both public and private sectors, addressing challenges such as fragmented systems, limited resources, and the need for better data-driven leadership. It also explores the future role of digital tools, including artificial intelligence and remote care, in improving outcomes and enabling more proactive and personalised healthcare services.Note: This episode is in Finnish.Full transcript is available: https://www.telemedicine.fi/julkaisut/
Women around the world in health care digitalisation
This episode was recorded live at the eHealth2025 Conference, part of the 30th anniversary of the Finnish Society of Telemedicine and eHealth (STeHS). Hosts of this podcast are Titta Venho and Anna Saranlinna.In this discussion, Dr Michelle Griffith, President of ISfTeH, a physician specializing in internal, lifestyle, and integrative medicine with over 30 years of clinical experience, and Professor Pirkko Kouri, Vice President of ISfTeH and a Finnish expert in health informatics and digital health education, explore the theme Women Around the World in Healthcare Digitalisation.Together, they reflect on how gender shapes the development, leadership, and use of digital health services across different cultural and global contexts. The conversation highlights both the challenges women face in technology-driven environments and the critical role they play in designing more inclusive, holistic healthcare solutions.The episode also offers insights into international collaboration, leadership experiences, and practical advice for women aiming to make an impact in the rapidly evolving field of telemedicine and eHealth.Full transcript will be available in: https://www.telemedicine.fi/julkaisut/
Jaksot päivittyvät tälle sivulle automaattisesti. Kaikki jaksot myös Spotifyssa.
Conference publications:
- XXXI Kansallinen ja kansainvälinen Telelääketieteen ja eHealth konferenssi, #eHealth2026: Effective digital solutions in health care and social welfare services, 2026, ISBN 978-952-65791-4-6 (PDF)
- XXX Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari, #eHealth2025: Strengthening Interoperability and Equality in Digital Health with Nordic Innovations, 2025, ISBN 978-952-65791-3-9 (PDF)
- XXIX National Seminar on Telemedicine and eHealth, #eHealth2024: From Research to Impact on Digital Health and Welfare Services, 2024, ISBN 978-952-69224-9-2 (PDF)
- XXVIII National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, #eHealth2023: Human oriented approach in eHealth and digital services, 2023, ISBN 978-952-69224-8-5 (pdf)
- XXVII National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, #eHealth2022: Digital Health – from Research to Applied Solutions, 2022, ISBN 978-952-69224-6-1 (PDF)
- XXVI National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, #eHealth2021: eHealth in a Lifecycle, 2021, ISBN: 978-952-69224-4-7 (pdf)
- XXV National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, eHealth2020: From Dream to Reality, 2020, ISBN: 978-952-69224-2-3 (pdf)
- XXIV National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, eHealth2019: Data-Driven Health, 2019, ISBN: 978-952-68112-9-1 (pdf)
- XXII National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, eHealth2018: Health communities facing cyber transformation, 2018, ISBN: 978-952-68112-8-4 (pdf)
- XXII National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, Win-Win-Win, for citizens, professionals and society, 2017, ISBN: 978-952-68112-6-0 (pdf)
- XXI National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, Nordic eHealth2016 Culture of experimentation and digitalisation, 2016, ISBN: 978-952-68112-4-6 (pdf)
- XX National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, eHealth, an engine for change, 2015, ISBN: 978-952-68112-2-2 (pdf)
- XIX National Telemedicine and eHealth Seminar, Towards effective eHealth, 2014, ISBN: 978-952-67213-9-2 (pdf)
- XVIII Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: Teknologiatalkoilla parempiin hoitotuloksiin, 2013, ISBN: 978-952-67213-8-5 (pdf)
- XVII Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: Tietoa tarpeeseen, 2012, ISBN: 978-952-67213-6-1 (pdf)
- XVI Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: Maalta maailmalle – Aluemalli terveyspalveluiden kehittämisessä, 2011, ISBN: 978-952-67213-4-7 (pdf)
- XV Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: Katse yli rajojen, 2010, ISBN: 978-952-67213-2-3 (pdf)
- XIV Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: Terveyttä verkosta ja verkostosta, 2009, ISBN: 978-952-67213-0-9 (pdf)
- XIII Kansallinen telelääketieteen ja eHealth seminaari: e-Health kansalaisen palveluksessa, 2008 (pdf)