Phenomenon‑based analysis challenges us to use data innovatively

Problems related to people’s health and wellbeing are increasingly complex today and therefore difficult to solve. Instead of examining problems from a single perspective, it is worthwhile to view them as part of broader phenomena. This makes it possible to identify the origins and multifaceted nature of the phenomenon, as well as to understand the underlying factors, which in turn enables the discovery of effective solutions.

Take, for example, young people’s wellbeing or social exclusion. We want to understand why some children do well regardless of their family circumstances while others do not. At which stage of the life course is a young person at the greatest risk of exclusion, and why? What forms of support and services for children and their families are the most effective, and at what point?

Combining data is the key to effective solutions

A phenomenon‑based approach to solving societal problems requires a broad knowledge base and the combination of information from different sources. Innovative integration of register‑based data on service use, lifestyle information collected directly from people, and, for example, socioeconomic data opens opportunities to identify dependencies and factors behind various phenomena.

“When we combine information from different life stages and services, we see young people’s pathways in a new way. A phenomenon-based approach helps us understand the factors behind problems and identify the moments when support is most effective.”

In our example phenomenon, information is needed from all stages of the life course, starting from early childhood, as well as from the social and health care services and benefits used by children, young people and their families. By combining these data, it becomes possible to create models that help identify the key life situations and events in which the risk of social exclusion increases, and where the right kind of support can prevent problems from accumulating.

Information combined from different datasets provides new ways to structure and understand the situations of different population groups. When we understand the factors that are common to many cases, we are better able to target suitable services and measures to these groups — even preventively.

Foresight data guides the planning of policy measures

Information obtained from different types of data sources enables us to make forecasts, for example, on the development of health and service needs in different population groups, and to build various scenarios on how different factors may influence these forecasts. Foresight data guides the planning and implementation of effective policy measures, allowing problems to be addressed proactively both regionally and nationally. 

“We need information and understanding on how we can allocate our resources in the best possible way. At the same time, we must be willing to critically assess existing solutions. Only then can we build a society where support is effective and timely,” says Project Director Annamari Lundqvist from THL.

THL’s national data repository is being developed to serve phenomenon-based information needs

THL has a statutory duty to collect and refine information describing the population’s health, wellbeing, and use of services. THL also has a unique opportunity to process and combine data obtained from different sources.

“When we combine information from different life stages and services, we see young people’s pathways in a new way. A phenomenon-based approach helps us understand the factors behind problems and identify the moments when support is most effective,” Lundqvist summarises.

We compile statistics and other data products from the information we collect, serving not only scientific research and social and health care actors but also policymakers and legislators. Register-based data is always processed securely so that no individual person can be identified.

“THL’s national data repository is a kind of national treasure."

We ourselves use the data we produce in a wide range of tasks related to protecting population health, in national monitoring of health and wellbeing, and in monitoring and evaluating the service system.

“THL’s national data repository is a kind of national treasure. Our development work aims to ensure that the data can be used more quickly and effectively in the future and that it better supports phenomenon-based information needs,” says Head of Unit Jan Magnusson.

Speeding up and expanding data production is essential, for example, in up-to-date epidemiological monitoring, which enables rapid and evidence-based decision making.