Helsinki looks to expand use of self-check stations at its health stations

The health and wellbeing centres in Vuosaari and Kalasatama have been using MedicubeX self-check stations to support patients’ access to appointments and services at their health stations. A self-check station has been in use in Vuosaari since the spring of 2023, while a self-check station has been available in Kalasatama since the beginning of this year.
 Clients said they have found the self-check stations easy to use, with satisfaction standing very high with a Net Promote Score (NPS) of +92, on a score range of -100 to +100.  Photo: Katariina Kuronen
Clients said they have found the self-check stations easy to use, with satisfaction standing very high with a Net Promote Score (NPS) of +92, on a score range of -100 to +100. Photo: Katariina Kuronen

User experiences have been promising, and the use of the self-check stations is to be continued and expanded to other health stations.

“We have had ITTE self-registration machines for years. They mainly provide users with information about self-treatment and let them measure their blood pressure. The new self-check stations in Vuosaari and Kalasatama have allowed customers to carry out a much wider range of tests. The trials of the new self-check stations have been a success. We want to expand the possibilities for self-checks across Helsinki’s health stations in the future,” says Timo Lukkarinen, Medical Director of Health Stations.

According to Lukkarinen, both clients and health care professionals have been generally satisfied with the self-check stations. Clients said they have found the self-check stations easy to use, with satisfaction standing very high with a Net Promote Score (NPS) of +92, on a score range of -100 to +100. The device has been found to encourage you to maintain and monitor your health in a positive way. Clients would welcome being able to use such devices also at other locations, such as pharmacies and libraries.

Doctors and nurses found the self-check stations useful for time management during appointments, as by performing any required tests in advance, the results were already available at the appointment. Measurements at self-check stations have also been able to detect risk factors for urgent assessment, such as arrhythmias or extremely high blood pressure in clients.   

“We are very pleased with the successful trials of self-check stations at the Vuosaari and Kalasatama health stations. The results have helped us develop the service further. This has helped us tremendously as we have expanded our operations also outside of Finland,” Vili Kostamo, MD and CEO of MedicubeX Oy.   

Self-check stations help provide better access to appointments and services

Customers can use the self-check stations to perform pre-agreed health checks before their appointments. When measurements have been taken in advance, health care professionals can better focus on the client during an appointment.

At the self-check station, customers can measure their blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, weight and body composition. In addition, the station can produce a basic electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing the heart’s activity. The client gets a printout of their results. The printout contains no personal information. The station takes the measurements in about five minutes.

The MedicubeX trials in Kalasatama and Vuosaari were carried out as part of the development and testing platform activities of the Economic Development Department of the City of Helsinki, which aim to develop future health and wellbeing services with partners. Helsinki provides a platform for testing, developing and scaling new innovations. The self-check station and concept were first developed within the Health Incubator Helsinki programme. 

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