Reforming Healthcare with Data: Finland’s Story

Tero-Matti Kinnen, CEO of DSharp, shared the case study of how data played a pivotal role in one of Finland’s most ambitious healthcare reforms. The transformation of the healthcare system in Southwest Finland was not just a technological challenge, but a situation that required swift and thoughtful action, requiring innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of data’s role in leadership and service delivery.

The Challenge: A Fragmented Landscape

Prior to the reform, Finland’s healthcare and social services were managed by over 300 municipalities, each with its own systems and processes. In 2022, the government consolidated these into 21 well-being service counties. Southwest Finland, the second largest of these, had to unify 27 municipalities, 41 clinical systems, and a workforce of 23,000—all within six months.

The Solution: A Two-Track Data Strategy

With limited time and a pressing need for operational readiness, DSharp implemented a dual-track approach:

• Track One: KPI Warehouse

  A lightweight, rapid-deployment solution that extracted key performance indicators (KPIs) directly from existing reports across all systems. This enabled leadership to access consistent, normalized data from day one. Over 480 KPIs were integrated, covering healthcare, social services, rescue operations, and financial metrics—updated monthly and stored in a Data Vault format.

• Track Two: Full Data Warehouse

  Built in parallel, this long-term solution integrated raw transactional data using DSharp’s model-driven automation. Anchored in business concepts rather than systems, it allowed for flexible, scalable insights. With over 100 submodels, 80+ fact tables, and nearly 9 billion rows of data, it supports daily updates and continuous development.

The Technology: Model-Driven Automation

DSharp’s methodology centers on conceptual modeling—a shared language between business and IT. Their no-code platform automates the creation of Data Vault structures, ETL processes, and reporting layers. This approach not only accelerates development but ensures system independence, allowing seamless adaptation as legacy systems are consolidated.

The Culture: Ownership and Process

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the project was the cultural shift. The county’s internal team owned the process, from identifying information needs to delivering insights, while consultants provided flexible support. This ensured long term sustainability and organizational learning.

Key Takeaways

• Speed and Scalability: The KPI warehouse provided immediate value, while the full data warehouse ensured future-proof insights.

• Automation and Agility: DSharp’s tools enabled rapid deployment with minimal manual effort.

• Business-Driven Design: Modeling around business concepts, not systems, ensured relevance and adaptability.

• Cultural Alignment: Success was driven by clear ownership, repeatable processes, and a shared understanding of data’s purpose.

This case is a powerful example of how data, when harnessed with the right tools and mindset, can drive meaningful transformation—even under extreme time constraints.