Abstract

Finland introduced a personal identification number system in 1964, and since then practically all-administrative registries have included this unique identification code. Currently Finland has strict data protection laws, which avoids the collection of sensitive health and social information. Health data that include identifiers can be gathered either by obtaining informed consent from patients or clients, or under special legislation. An important exemption of this general principle, however, is collection and use of such data for statistical and scientific purposes, for example, in epidemiological studies. Thus, these registries can be used as a basis when the aim is to improve health, welfare, health services, and social welfare services. This article describes the registration system of health and social welfare and legislation or data protection in Finland, as well as gives some examples of studies of epidemiological registries. The methods for promoting registry research, including the newly founded Finnish Information Centre for Registry Research are presented.