Healthcare Contexts

 

    The health care belief systems in Finland revolve around it being a basic human right. For example, in the United States the Freedom of Speech is a human right that every single citizen gets to receive regardless where you stand in life. According to healthcare.fi, “The Finnish healthcare system is based on public healthcare services to which everyone permanently residing in the country is entitled. In addition, every person has the right to receive emergency treatment during their stay in Finland.” This leads to the perception of the Finns to value the government and health care system with their high sense of equality. They also hold a strong sense of trust within their health care system because everyone should have access to care. With that being said, they understand the value that they hold that most countries do not. Since they are aware, they do not abuse this opportunity they have, only going in when they have serious issues. There are other perspectives that Finns have depending on location because the people in bigger cities are more accustomed to going to the doctor more, while rural communities do the opposite. 

In Finnish culture, death is seen very similar to how it is in the United States. They properly represent the individual's life by a funeral and proper burying. This is very similar to what we are used to, but they also believe in being mentally strong and not griefing too much. Death is part of the natural circle of life and is a known thing that will happen in life. You can obviously feel sad about one’s death, but you are expected to move on and not take much personal time off. In the older generations, Finns commonly believed in death how Christians do, but their values have changed over time as most Finns are atheist. 

Intercultural communication advice that I would give to someone spending time in Finland health care would be respecting their space and silence. In America, it is often seen as awkward if people are really far away and there is complete silence. This is actually valued in Finland and they should be aware of that. More advice that I would give is to be direct and honest when speaking with Finns. To Americans it may seem blunt, but it is actually their preferred way of communication. Don’t try and lie to make things seem better or change topics while you are going just straight to the point.