We explored how healthcare professionals in Finnish primary healthcare integrate personalization into their practices, focusing on the role of information technology (IT). Through semi-structured interviews, we identified three themes: enablers such as electronic health records and clinical guidelines, service delivery practices like baseline assessment and progress monitoring, and the incorporation of patient characteristics, including habits, life situations, and motivation. Our findings provide actionable insights for designing IT solutions that support personalized care.
What was the context of our study?
Personalization is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of effective healthcare. Each patient’s unique characteristics, preferences, and medical conditions require tailored approaches to achieve optimal outcomes. In primary healthcare, where prevention and behavioral changes are critical, personalization becomes even more essential. This study sought to understand how healthcare professionals naturally incorporate personalization into their workflows and how IT can enhance this process.
What did we do?
We conducted a case study in Finnish primary healthcare, interviewing six experienced healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. The interviews focused on their work practices, use of IT tools, and approaches to patient care. Personalization elements emerged spontaneously in the discussions and were analyzed thematically to identify key enablers and barriers.
What did we find?
The study revealed that healthcare professionals use IT systems such as electronic health records and established clinical guidelines as foundational tools for delivering personalized care. These systems help them access patient data and adhere to best practices. Personalization also involves iterative service delivery practices, such as assessing patients’ baselines (dietary habits or smoking patterns) and monitoring progress through tools like food diaries or activity logs. Additionally, understanding individual patient characteristics, including habits, social contexts, and motivation levels, is critical for tailoring interventions effectively.
Why is this important?
This study highlights the collaborative nature of personalization in healthcare, involving both professionals and patients. IT solutions designed to support personalization must integrate seamlessly into workflows, address diverse patient needs, and facilitate shared decision-making. By incorporating these insights, developers can create tools that empower healthcare providers to deliver more effective and patient-centered care.
Reference
Korhonen O, Mylonopoulou V, Giunti G. Emerging Personalization Elements in Health Service Delivery: A Case Study in the Finnish Primary Healthcare. AcademicMindtrek’20. January 2020, Tampere, Finland.https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3377290.3377295