Maija Litendahl

I belong to the research group of Adherence to Treatment and Healthy Lifestyles. The research aims to promote the health of the population by studying adherence to self-care and healthy lifestyles, counselling competence and health promotion, especially in a digitalised health care environment, and on issues around them. My research focuses on digital patient counselling in healthcare. My most significant interest is the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients.

In my dissertation, I study the use of emotional intelligence in real-time digital counselling in healthcare settings, from the patients ' point of view. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a key competence of healthcare professionals. It relates to awareness of emotions and emotion regulation in self and others.

I have received funding for my studies from UniOgs and am a doctoral researcher at Oulu University (2025). I also work as a service specialist in the North Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Services County. I´m interested in developing sustainable solutions for using healthcare services. I aim to support constructive interaction in the workplace and patient interaction.