Revalidation: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'revalidation' combines 're-' meaning again and 'validation,' which comes from Latin 'validus,' meaning strong or worthy.
• It first started being used in the context of official documents and qualifications.
• Over the years, the term has expanded into various fields such as medicine, technology, and education.

Science

• In scientific research, revalidation ensures that findings remain accurate and applicable over time.
• Quality control in laboratories often requires revalidation of equipment to maintain standards.
• Regulatory bodies might mandate revalidation periods for devices to ensure ongoing safety and efficacy.

Education

• In educational environments, revalidation can refer to assessing teachers' qualifications regularly.
• Some professions require continuing professional development to maintain licenses, making revalidation an essential part of career development.
• Universities often review program accreditations periodically, embodying a form of revalidation for academic standards.

Technology

• In software development, revalidation checks that updates do not introduce new bugs or issues.
• Cybersecurity protocols often involve revalidation to confirm that defenses are still effective against evolving threats.
• Web applications may undergo revalidation when existing users log in to ensure security measures remain robust.

Healthcare

• In healthcare, revalidation of medical professionals is crucial to ensure they meet current standards and knowledge.
• This process ensures that physicians and practitioners are up-to-date with new guidelines and protocols.
• Revalidation helps maintain public trust in healthcare systems by ensuring that only qualified individuals provide care.