Terviseuuringuid

Terviseuuringuid, or health studies, are systematic investigations that aim to understand health and disease in populations, evaluate health interventions, and inform policy and practice. They cover a broad range of questions, from the distribution and determinants of diseases to the effectiveness of treatments and the organization of health services. These studies may be observational, such as cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs, or experimental, notably randomized controlled trials. They also include qualitative health research, health technology assessments, and evidence syntheses like systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Data and methods commonly used in terviseuuringuid include surveys, electronic health records, health registries, biosamples, and other digital health data. Researchers apply epidemiological and statistical methods to estimate associations, measure prevalence and incidence, assess risk factors, and infer causal relationships. Large-scale, longitudinal data and multidisciplinary approaches are typical features of many contemporary health studies.

Ethics, governance, and data protection are central considerations. Health studies usually require ethical review and informed consent where applicable, along with strict handling of personal data in compliance with relevant laws and frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation. Anonymization, data sharing agreements, and clear data governance plans are common components of study protocols.

Impact and relevance include informing clinical guidelines, public health strategies, and healthcare policy, as well as improving prevention, early detection, and the quality and efficiency of care. Terviseuuringuid are supported by universities, hospitals, government agencies, and research funders in Estonia and internationally, fostering evidence-based decision making.