Protokollakohtaisia

Protokollakohtaisia is a Finnish term that translates to "protocol-specific" or "per protocol" in English. It is often used in scientific research, particularly in clinical trials, to describe data or analyses that adhere strictly to the pre-defined study protocol. This means that all procedures, measurements, and data collection methods are carried out exactly as outlined in the original research plan, without deviation.

The concept of "protokollakohtaisia" is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings. When data is collected and analyzed "per protocol," it minimizes the influence of external factors or researcher bias that might arise from modifications to the study design after it has begun. This strict adherence allows for a clearer understanding of the intervention's true effect, as it is assessed under the controlled conditions initially established.

In the context of statistical analysis, "protokollakohtaisia" analyses are often contrasted with "intention-to-treat" (ITT) analyses. While ITT includes all randomized participants regardless of whether they adhered to the protocol, "protokollakohtaisia" analyses focus only on those participants who fully complied with the study protocol. Both approaches have their merits and are used to provide different perspectives on the study results. Researchers may conduct both types of analyses to offer a comprehensive view of the intervention's effectiveness and its real-world applicability.