Seulontatarkastelut

Seulontatarkastelut, a Finnish term that can be translated as "screening reviews" or "scoping reviews," refers to a type of research synthesis that aims to map the existing literature on a broad topic or question. Unlike systematic reviews, which typically focus on a very specific research question and adhere to rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, seulontatarkastelut are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the range of research available. They are particularly useful for identifying the breadth of evidence, understanding the types of interventions or exposures studied, and pinpointing gaps in the literature.

The process of conducting a seulontatarkastelu generally involves defining a broad research question, developing a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant studies across multiple databases, and then screening these studies based on predetermined, often less restrictive, inclusion criteria. The data extracted from the included studies are then often presented in a descriptive or narrative format, summarizing the key characteristics of the research found. This can include the number of studies, study designs, populations, interventions, outcomes, and the general direction of findings.

Seulontatarkastelut serve as a valuable first step in understanding a research landscape. They can inform the development of more focused systematic reviews, guide future research priorities, and provide a broad understanding for policymakers or practitioners who need to grasp the general state of knowledge on a topic. Their strength lies in their comprehensiveness and their ability to quickly map out a field of inquiry, even if they do not provide the same depth of analysis as a systematic review.