Working towards integrated client-oriented care and services: A qualitative study of the perceptions of Finnish health and social care professionals

Introduction Client orientation is an essential principle that underlines the delivery of high-quality health and social care. Despite this, little is known about how the health and social care professionals perceive this principle. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the integrated perceptions of health and social care professionals of client orientation and the requirements for competencies and care and service systems. Methods The 29 participants were Finnish health and social care professionals and the data were collected with asynchronous online discussions in a closed Internet-based group from November 2017 to January 2018 and analysed with inductive content analysis. Results Client orientation was a core value in health and social care and services due to the humane approach required and the client's rights and responsibilities. It also required the professionals to have specific competencies and collaborate. The system elements that supported client orientation were an integrating and responsive service system, service availability and accessibility, guidance, leadership, resources and the effective use of technology. Discussion Professionals need additional training and structural support from their organizations if they were to deliver efficient, flexible, high-quality client-oriented health and social care and services.