Evidensbehov

Evidensbehov is a term used in Nordic languages to describe the need for evidence to justify, design, or evaluate a decision, program, or practice. It refers to what evidence is required and why, rather than to the evidence itself. The concept appears in areas such as public policy, health care, education, and research.

The idea emphasizes that decisions should be based on relevant, credible information. The evidensbehov depends on context, stakes, uncertainty, and potential impact. It can require different types of evidence, including information on effectiveness, safety, costs, implementation feasibility, and considerations of equity and ethics.

Identifying the evidensbehov involves problem framing, specifying intended outcomes, and consulting stakeholders. A common approach is to conduct scoping reviews, assess risks, and map existing evidence to the decision questions, thereby identifying gaps that require new data or analyses. This process helps determine what kinds of studies or data collection are most needed to reduce uncertainty before action.

In practice, evidensbehov guides the design of research, evaluation plans, and data collection strategies. It supports prioritization of studies and helps allocate resources by clarifying what is needed to justify a policy or program and to monitor its impact over time.

Related concepts include evidence-based practice, evidence gaps, and decision theory. The term highlights the link between knowledge and action and promotes transparent, justified decision-making processes.