Healthcare and welfare organizations throughout Europe face challenges with an ageing population, shortage of skilled labour and increasing cost pressures. Many international studies have concluded that for tackling these challenges, investments in ICT and systematic process development together with utilization of latest technologies can offer the lifecare sector significant annual cost savings as well as improved customer services.

"We believe that a comprehensive approach is the key in solving these challenges. Today, ICT solutions are already as important to lifecare organizations as water is to life. Most of our customers have 100% coverage of electronic patient records on unit and regional level, which eliminates duplicate examinations and improves the safety of medical decisions substantially. Furthermore, ICT can also guarantee the reliable measurement of the effectiveness of care and services," says Arto Ryymin, responsible for the healthcare and welfare business in Tieto. "But in healthcare and welfare, ICT solutions need to be regarded with a holistic view and developed continuously further by specialized companies and people. A seamless care and service chain from birth to old age, from individual to community and nationwide levels, needs to be utilized to overcome future challenges."

Ryymin emphasizes that the benefits of ICT shall not be restricted to improving existing services only: "With the help of innovative services and solutions, we can open also new opportunities for healthcare and welfare organizations. Good examples are our self service and mobile solutions, which empower patients, ensure even 20% more effective use of resources and reduce waiting times significantly in waiting rooms. Another example is our clinical pathway solution, which optimizes hospital care processes. It has helped shorten hospital stays by 4% and thus enabled significant yearly savings in treatment costs."

From a healthcare and welfare professional's point of view, intelligent information usage, advanced user interfaces and high level knowledge management enables better-informed decisions helping to optimize treatment and even save lives. Exchange of information on core areas and interoperability between organizations and systems is the key enabler to optimize resource usage and offer flexibility in service provision. Utilizing new opportunities for lifecare service providers also means enabling people to live longer in their homes and communities and perform many tasks digitally. This all translates into both cost savings and better quality of life so that the person can get the right care and services at the right time in the right place.

Tieto's experience in working with more than 2,000 healthcare and welfare organizations reveals that advanced information and communication technology (ICT) solutions can be of crucial importance. Tieto is the leading healthcare and welfare ICT provider in the Nordic countries with a strong presence in Germany and the Netherlands. With 40 years of experience, specialized industry offerings, comprehensive ICT services and a thorough understanding of our customers' processes, we help our customers to focus fully on their core operations, secure the future of care services and develop lifecare services at the individual, regional and national level.

About Tieto
Tieto supports its healthcare and welfare customers by digitalizing their service and care processes. The aim is to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of lifetime care. Tieto is the leading healthcare and welfare ICT solution provider in the Nordic countries and has a strong position in Germany and the Netherlands. We provide a comprehensive set of solutions based on our own products as well as customized solutions and ICT services. Solutions are focused on making life easier for citizens, patients and the caring staff. Over 40 years in the business, more than 1000 professionals in seven countries and close customer relations give us a strong foundation to further develop healthcare and welfare at the individual, regional and national level. For more information, visit www.tieto.com/healthcare.