tutkimusnäytössä

Tutkimusnäyttö is a Finnish term that translates to "research evidence" or "evidence-based practice" in English. It refers to the process of systematically identifying, evaluating, and applying the best available research findings to inform decision-making in various professional fields, particularly in healthcare, education, and social work. The core principle of tutkimusnäyttö is to move away from relying solely on tradition, anecdote, or personal opinion and instead integrate scientific knowledge into practice.

The process involves several key steps. First, practitioners identify a clinical or practical question that needs answering. Second, they conduct a thorough search of relevant research literature, using databases and other scholarly resources. Third, the retrieved studies are critically appraised to assess their quality, validity, and applicability to the specific context. This appraisal considers factors such as study design, methodology, sample size, and potential biases. Fourth, the findings from high-quality research are synthesized and applied to the practice situation. Finally, the effectiveness of the implemented practice is evaluated, and the cycle may begin again with new questions.

Using tutkimusnäyttö aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of services, enhance patient or client outcomes, promote professional development, and ensure accountability. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting practices as new evidence emerges. While the ideal is to use high-quality research, in situations where such evidence is scarce, other forms of evidence, such as expert opinion or local data, may be considered, though with a clear understanding of their limitations.