Riskienhyötyanalyysi

Riskienhyötyanalyysi, which translates to "risk-benefit analysis" in English, is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential risks associated with a particular action, decision, or project against its potential benefits. The goal is to determine whether the anticipated benefits outweigh the potential negative consequences, thereby informing a decision about whether to proceed, modify, or abandon the undertaking.

This type of analysis is employed across various fields, including medicine, environmental protection, economics, and public policy. In healthcare, for example, a risk-benefit analysis is crucial when considering a new drug or medical procedure. Doctors and regulators weigh the therapeutic advantages against possible side effects, complications, or long-term health impacts. In environmental contexts, it might involve assessing the economic benefits of a new industrial plant against the potential environmental damage it could cause.

The process typically involves identifying all relevant risks and benefits, quantifying them as much as possible (though often qualitative assessments are also necessary), and then comparing the two sides. This comparison can be complex, as it may involve weighing different types of outcomes – for instance, financial gains versus loss of life, or public health improvements versus economic costs. Decision-makers use the results of a risk-benefit analysis to make more informed and rational choices, aiming to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing harm. It is a tool for structured decision-making, providing a framework for understanding trade-offs.