Evaluation of evidence-based practices

The evaluation of evidence-based practices in health and well-being promotion (HYTE-toimintamallien arviointi), also called the “Finnish best practice portal”, provides peer-reviewed knowledge about evidence-based practices for decision makers. The evaluation focuses on the evidence for the practices and their effectiveness and practical applicability.

Decision-makers and experts in municipalities and wellbeing services counties have a great need to receive evaluated information on the effectiveness of practices. The evaluation of practices supports both decision-making in health and wellbeing promotion and the optimal allocation of resources.

Representatives of practices, peer reviewers and experts have worked together to develop the evaluation criteria and evaluation process. Customers will also participate in the development of the evaluation and publication system.

A digital tool to support knowledge management

The digital system for evaluation of practices is currently being developed. The result will be a digital tool that supports knowledge management. It will offer peer-reviewed information on practices’ a) effectiveness and b) practical applicability, as well as c) the evidence for these benefits.

The practices found in the service relate to areas such as education, exercise, nutrition, mental health, nature, environmental health, and safety. After an evaluation process, they are archived in the Practices in Health and Well-being promotion publication series. The new digital system will bring together systematically evaluated practices for the promotion of wellbeing, health and safety. It will answer the question of which evidence-based practice is effective, which is not, and why.

Great need for evidence-based information

Decision-makers, experts and professionals need information on effective practices for promoting health and wellbeing. Funders are also interested in acquiring information on effective health and wellbeing practices. In addition, citizens have a need to be informed about effective and efficient practices for strengthening their health and wellbeing.

There is currently no system in Finland that compiles information on practices and their effectiveness evaluations. When systematic evaluation is lacking, practices are often adopted without evidence-based information on effectiveness. It is this need which will be met by the upcoming portal for health and wellbeing promotion practices.