vertaistiedon

Vertaistiedon is information and knowledge produced and shared by people who have similar experiences or social positions, rather than by trained professionals. In Finnish usage, it refers to experiential knowledge—practical tips, coping strategies, and personal insights gained from living with a condition, caregiving, disability, or other shared circumstances. Vertaistiedon can include narratives, recommendations, questions, and clarifications that help others understand options, anticipate challenges, or navigate services. It is created and circulated through peer-support groups, patient associations, online forums, social media communities, and organized peer-education programs.

Compared with professional or official information, vertaistiedon offers immediacy, trust, and relevance to everyday life. It can complement health care, education, or social services by providing context and lived experience, while not necessarily replacing expert guidance. In policy discussions, vertaistiedon is recognized as a component of patient-centered care, inclusive education, and disability rights advocacy.

Challenges of vertaistiedon include variability in accuracy and completeness, the risk of misinformation, and underrepresentation of some groups. Ethical considerations include confidentiality, consent, and respectful dialogue. Effective use often involves moderation, clear attribution, and integration with evidence-based information, as well as ensuring diverse voices are heard.