The welfare area serves over one hundred thousand South Karelians. The large number of customers inevitably produces a huge amount of data, such as patient information and financial figures. Although there is a lot of information, the welfare area's own data analysis capacity is quite limited. This is probably partly why, for example, savings models were commissioned with an external consultant.
Analyzing data would be very useful, as it can help guide operations in a more efficient and rational direction. By interpreting the numbers correctly, it is possible to direct healthcare resources in a way that results in healthier people with less effort. I think the wellness area should hire at least one person who specializes in analyzing this kind of data.
The welfare area is already doing what it is currently doing external research. However, I believe that more research could always be done. By further intensifying cooperation with local universities, the welfare area could gain new good practices from research. I think it would be great if, for example, topics in the welfare area could be found in large numbers in the lists of thesis topics. It would also be good if topics were widely available to experts in different fields. For example, the new social sciences line at LUT University could provide quite interesting new openings through research.