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prospectively

Prospectively is an adverb derived from the adjective prospective. It means in a forward-looking or future-oriented manner. In common usage, it can describe actions taken or considerations made with respect to what will happen later, rather than what has already happened. The term is often used in professional or academic contexts to denote planning, prediction, or forward-facing analysis.

In research and medicine, prospectively describes study designs in which data are collected going forward in

In policy, law, or business, prospectively means applying rules, effects, or consequences to future cases or

The term is derived from the Latin prospicere, meaning "to look forward," via the English adjective prospective;

time
from
a
defined
point.
A
prospective
study
follows
participants
over
time
to
observe
outcomes
as
they
occur,
which
allows
the
establishment
of
temporal
sequences
and
reduces
certain
biases
associated
with
retrospective
data.
Prospective
cohorts,
randomized
trials,
and
forward-looking
surveillance
programs
are
described
as
prospective.
Limitations
include
cost,
duration,
and
potential
loss
to
follow-up.
situations,
rather
than
retroactively.
For
example,
a
law
that
takes
effect
prospectively
applies
to
acts
occurring
after
enactment,
not
to
actions
taken
before
it.
prospectively
is
the
adverbial
form.