Evidence-Based Public Research Articles

Outcomes of integrated knowledge translation: A comparative, multi-country case study

Abstract Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) seeks to establish continuous relationships between researchers and knowledge users, in particular decision-makers, to enhance evidence-informed decision-making in public health and healthcare. IKT is, however, difficult to evaluate and outcome evaluations remain scarce. The German-African Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) undertook research on IKT and non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. Over six years, we implemented an IKT approach and evaluated it according to a pre-defined programme theory. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews and surveys with CEBHA+ researchers and their decision-making partners at two stages (3/2020-2/2021; 9/2022-5/2023) and collected IKT-related documents (see protocol: https://rdcu.be/dyfBP). Transcripts and documents were analysed using qualitative content analysis and surveys were analysed descriptively, with subsequent integration, cross-case analysis, and revision of the programme theory. Results We collected 92 IKT-related documents; and 55 researchers and decision-makers participated in surveys, focus groups or interviews. Proximal outcomes were collaborative research; capacity-building related to research skills and evidence use; and relationship-building, establishing trust and partnerships. Intermediate outcomes were changes in attitudes and knowledge; decision-makers became attuned to research and researchers increased their understanding of the decision-making context, and developed a vision for research impact. Distal outcomes were the production of applicable research and the consideration of evidence by decision-makers. High opportunity costs associated with IKT implementation constituted unintended effects. Conclusions Our study presents rich, theory-informed insights into IKT outcomes, based in particular on the experience of researchers implementing the CEBHA+ IKT approach. Key messages • A multi-country research collaboration offered an opportunity to examine IKT implementation and investigate proximal, intermediate, and distal IKT outcomes based on a pre-defined programme theory. • Beyond our initial conceptualisation, the IKT approach was linked to researchers developing a vision for ‘research impact’ and gaining a better understanding of the decision-making context.

Evaluation of implementation of evidence-based public health training in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) developed and offered a course on evidence-based public health (EBPH) in five sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to enhance individual and institutional capacity. This study aims to assess, compare and learn from implementing the CEBHA+ EBPH course using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and Practical, Robust, Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). This study involved CEHBA+ partner universities in five countries in SSA. We developed a framework that draws on signalling questions for RE-AIM and PRISM dimensions. Country teams reflected on, discussed and mapped unique experiences. Using this framework, we then elicited common themes across countries and distilled country-specific experiences through virtual discussions. Across countries, 130 public health practitioners, researchers and students completed the course (Reach). The course increased EBPH knowledge and skills and the capacity to teach EBPH and resulted in immediate opportunities for applying skills (Effectiveness). Hybrid offering in two countries presented challenges regarding Internet connectivity and hybrid discussions. Facilitators had previous training in teaching EBPH. While learning material was the same across countries, the content was adapted to represent local public health priorities (Implementation, Adoption). Course materials have informed other related training leading to spin-offs (Maintenance). Institutionalisation is dependent on external funding. Strengthening EBPH capacity across contexts is feasible. Curricula containing both core and contextualised elements create an authentic learning environment. Formal evaluations should be embedded within capacity-strengthening initiatives. This is the first study evaluating EBPH training in SSA using an implementation science lens, offering learning about context-relevant adaptations that assist with plans for sustainability and scale.

Equipping the Public Health Workforce of the Future: Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Public Health Training Delivered Through Academic-Health Department Partnerships.

Maintaining a skilled public health workforce is essential but challenging given high turnover and that few staff hold a public health degree. Situating workforce development within existing structures leverages the strengths of different organizations and can build relationships to address public health challenges and health equity. We implemented and evaluated an innovative, sustainable model to deliver an established evidence-based public health (EBPH) training collaboratively among Prevention Research Centers (PRC), local and state health departments, and Public Health Training Centers (PHTC). Quantitative data: quasi-experimental, 1-group pre-post. Qualitative data: cross-sectional. Data were collected between December 2021 and August 2022. Four US sites, each a partnership between a PRC, local or state health department, and a PHTC. Governmental public health staff and representatives from other organizations that implement public health programs in practice settings. Course participants completed a pre- and postcourse survey self-rating 14 skills on a 5-point Likert scale. Differences were analyzed using mixed effects linear models. In-depth interviews (n=15) were conducted with course faculty and partners to understand: (1) resources contributed, (2) barriers and facilitators, (3) benefits and challenges, and (4) resources needed to sustain this model. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis identified themes. Statistically significant increases in all skills were observed from pre- to postcourse (n=241 at post, 90% response). The skills with the largest increases were understanding economic evaluation enough to inform decision-making (mean change=1.22, standard error [SE]=0.05) and developing an action plan (mean change=1.07, SE=0.07). Facilitators to delivering the course included having a shared goal of workforce development, existing course curricula, and dedicated funding for delivering the course. Collaborative delivery of the EBPH training can ameliorate the effects of high staff turnover, strengthen academic-practice relationships, and promote population-wide health and health equity.

Distilling the Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Public Health Policy.

Public health policy interventions are associated with many important public health achievements. To provide public health practitioners and decision makers with practical approaches for examining and employing evidence-based public health (EBPH) policy interventions, we describe the characteristics and benefits that distinguish EBPH policy interventions from programmatic interventions. These characteristics include focusing on health at a population level, focusing on upstream drivers of health, and involving less individual action than programmatic interventions. The benefits of EBPH policy interventions include more sustained effects on health than many programs and an enhanced ability to address health inequities. Early childhood education and universal preschool provide a case example that illustrates the distinction between EBPH policy and programmatic interventions. This review serves as the foundation for 3 concepts that support the effective use of public health policy interventions: applying core component thinking to understand the population health effects of EBPH policy interventions; understanding the influence of existing policies, policy supports, and the context in which a particular policy is implemented on the effectiveness of that policy; and employing a systems thinking approach to identify leverage points where policy implementation can have a meaningful effect.

Recommended Strategies to Prioritize Evidence-Based Public Health Authority.

Recommended Strategies to Prioritize Evidence-Based Public Health Authority.

Advancing Evidence-Based Public Health Policy: How Core Component Thinking Can Illuminate the Multilevel Nature of Public Health Policy.

A growing body of literature uses the concept of core components to better understand small-scale programmatic interventions. Instead of interventions being viewed as unitary "black boxes," interventions are viewed as configurations of core components, which are the parts of interventions that carry their causal potential and therefore need to be reproduced with fidelity to produce the intended effect. To date, the concept of core components has not been as widely applied to public health policy interventions as it has to programmatic interventions. The purpose of this topical review is to familiarize public health practitioners and policy makers with the concept of core components as applied to public health policy interventions. Raising the profile of core component thinking can foster mindful adaptation and implementation of public health policy interventions while encouraging further research to enhance the supporting evidence base. We present 3 types of multilevel interactions in which the core components of a public health policy intervention produce effects at the population level by (1) seeking to directly affect individual behavior, (2) facilitating adoption of programmatic interventions by intermediaries, and (3) encouraging intermediaries to take action that can shape changes in upstream drivers of population health. Changing the unit of analysis from whole policies to core components can provide a basis for understanding how policies work and for facilitating novel evidence-generating strategies and rapid evidence reviews that can inform future adaptation efforts.

Developing, implementing, and monitoring tailored strategies for integrated knowledge translation in five sub-Saharan African countries

BackgroundIntegrated knowledge translation (IKT) through strategic, continuous engagement with decision-makers represents an approach to bridge research, policy and practice. The Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA +), comprising research institutions in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Germany, developed and implemented tailored IKT strategies as part of its multifaceted research on prevention and care of non-communicable diseases and road traffic injuries. The objective of this article is to describe the CEBHA + IKT approach and report on the development, implementation and monitoring of site-specific IKT strategies.MethodsWe draw on findings derived from the mixed method IKT evaluation (conducted in 2020–2021), and undertook document analyses and a reflective survey among IKT implementers. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The authors used the TIDieR checklist to report results in a structured manner.ResultsPreliminary IKT evaluation data (33 interviews with researchers and stakeholders from policy and practice, and 31 survey responses), 49 documents, and eight responses to the reflective survey informed this article. In each of the five African CEBHA + countries, a site-specific IKT strategy guided IKT implementation, tailored to the respective national context, engagement aims, research tasks, and individuals involved. IKT implementers undertook a variety of IKT activities at varying levels of engagement that targeted a broad range of decision-makers and other stakeholders, particularly during project planning, data interpretation, and output dissemination. Throughout the project, the IKT teams continued to tailor IKT strategies informally and modified the IKT approach by responding to ad hoc engagements and involving non-governmental organisations, universities, and communities. Challenges to using systematic, formalised IKT strategies arose in particular with respect to the demand on time and resources, leading to the modification of monitoring processes.ConclusionTailoring of the CEBHA + IKT approach led to the inclusion of some atypical IKT partners and to greater responsiveness to unexpected opportunities for decision-maker engagement. Benefits of using systematic IKT strategies included clarity on engagement aims, balancing of existing and new strategic partnerships, and an enhanced understanding of research context, including site-specific structures for evidence-informed decision-making.

Implementing and Evaluating Community Health Worker-Led Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screening Intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa Communities: A Participatory Implementation Research Protocol.

The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poses a considerable threat to public health. Community-driven CVD risk screening, referral and follow-up of those at high CVDs risk is essential to supporting early identification, treatment and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. This protocol describes a multi-country study that aims to implement and evaluate a community health worker (CHW)-led CVD risk screening programme to enhance referral linkages within the local primary care systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), using a participatory implementation science approach. The study builds upon a prior community-driven multicentre study conducted by the Collaboration for Evidence-based Health Care and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+). This is a participatory implementation research. The study will leverage on the CVD risk citizen science pilot studies conducted in the four selected CEBHA+ project countries (viz. Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi, and South Africa). Through planned engagements with communities and health system stakeholders, CHWs and lay health worker volunteers will be recruited and trained to screen and identify persons that are at high risk of CVD, provide referral services, and follow-up at designated community health clinics. In each country, we will use a multi-stage random sampling to select and then screen 1000 study participants aged 35-70 years from two communities (one rural and one urban). Screening will be done using a simple validated non-laboratory-based CVD risk assessment mobile application. The RE-AIM model will be used in evaluating the project implementation outcomes, including reach, fidelity, adoption and perceived effectiveness. Developing the capacities of CHWs and lay health worker volunteers in SSA to support population-based, non-invasive population-based CVD risk prevention has the potential to impact on early identification, treatment and secondary prevention of CVDs in often under-resourced communities. Using a participatory research approach to implementing mobile phone-based CHW-led CVD risk screening, referral and follow-up in SSA will provide the evidence needed to determine the effectiveness of CVD risk screening and the potential for scaling up in the wider region.

Evidence-based guidelines for hypertension and diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

ObjectiveThe Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in sub-Saharan Africa (CEBHA+), a research network, aims to build capacities for evidence-based healthcare. Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two...

Landscape Analysis of Public Health Jobs in India to Develop an Evidence-Based Public Health Curriculum

The increase in communicable and non-communicable disease incidence and prevalence, changing population demographics, along with concerns about pandemics, natural disasters, and wars, have highlighted the challenges faced by health systems. The study aims to identify data on publicly posted public health jobs available to applicants eligible to work in India to identify the public health and allied fields workforce needs, skills, and expertise in India. A cross-sectional study was done in June-July 2021. The data was collected from eleven common job portals in India. Descriptive and content analysis was done to identify the most common job titles, educational level preferred/desired, skills, and experience required in the public health jobs in India. In total 382 unique public health and related fields jobs were analyzed. Job postings were most commonly classified as manager (n = 68), officer/lead (n = 61), analyst (n = 49), and consultant (n = 44). Around one-fifth of the jobs were based in Delhi (n = 98, 24%). About a quarter of the job postings required more than 8 years of experience (26%, n = 100). More than half of the job postings mentioned having the knowledge and understanding of data analysis and statistical approaches (n = 116, 64%). Around 15% (n = 193) of the job posting wanted the candidate to have expertise in communication. Skills were classified into various types such as software, technical, and language. Timely assessment of the curriculum should be done to impart skills related to the needs of the employers and prepare a skilled and competent public health workforce to address the 21st century public health challenges.

Implementation of integrated knowledge translation in NCD research: Examining intervention components

Abstract Background Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) has been a cornerstone of the Collaboration for Evidence-based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) with partners in Ethiopia, Germany, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. The consortium conducts research on preventing and treating non-communicable diseases as well as road traffic injuries. IKT is understood as the continuous engagement of decision-makers throughout the research process in order to build equitable, mutually beneficial partnerships to conduct policy-relevant research and, ultimately, strengthen evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). Gradually, a structured “CEBHA+ IKT approach” was developed, including systematic stakeholder mapping and analysis, and the development of local IKT strategies. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods process and outcome evaluation of this IKT intervention. This comprised structured interviews, an online survey, and document analyses at two time points, two and four years after IKT initiation. Results Preliminary results show that partnerships with decision-makers were successfully established or strengthened. While continuous engagement was implemented, fidelity to formalised IKT strategies was variable. The development, monitoring and updating of the IKT strategies, originally conceptualised as an essential intervention component, has been helpful for some CEBHA+ researchers and may facilitate implementation. However, the vision for decision-maker engagement as well as emphasis on continuous engagement (defined as a deliverable) emerged as more important intervention drivers and may be conceptualised as intervention components. Conclusions A strong vision and continuous engagement with decision-makers are critical for strengthening EIDM. Formalised IKT strategies proved to be of moderate importance in current CEBHA+ research activities, but may turn out to be an essential intervention component if implemented from the start of a research project. Key messages • Continuous engagement with decision-makers has successfully strengthened or established partnerships between researchers and decision-makers. • Formal IKT strategies to plan stakeholder engagement were developed but continuous stakeholder engagement and a strong vision proved to be of greater importance.

Applying the principles of Evidence-Based Public Health in addressing the diabetes mellitus epidemic among African-American communities living in the district of Colombia: A literature review.

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States and is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the District of Columbia. According to the US Census population in 2010, >52,000 out of 610,000 residents have been diagnosed with diabetes. The highest prevalence was noted in wards 4, 5, 7, and 8, with the worst impact recorded in ward 8. The diabetes death rate among African Americans is five times that for Caucasians living in Colombia district, according to the DC department of health. There is an 11% disparity in the prevalence of diabetes when comparing black- and white people in the district (14% and 3%, respectively). This amounts to more than double the 6% disparity in the national population. This is also evident at both district and nationwide levels (prevalence of diabetes among people with no high school diploma, 21%; that in college graduates, 5%). The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a life-threatening condition and diabetes-related complication is increasing in Colombia district and is rated as the number one cause of death from diabetes. In 2010, the newly diagnosed ESRD cases (420) and total number of ESRD cases due to diabetes (642) in the district were twice that of neighboring states (Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia) and the entire US. In this review, the importance of implementing an evidence-based public health program in solving the epidemic of diabetes among the black community living in Ward 8 is emphasized. This study applies to every poor or minority ethnic group worldwide and in the US.

A Modelling Framework for Evidence-Based Public Health Policy Making.

It is widely recognised that the process of public health policy making (i.e., the analysis, action plan design, execution, monitoring and evaluation of public health policies) should be evidenced based, and supported by data analytics and decision-making tools tailored to it. This is because the management of health conditions and their consequences at a public health policy making level can benefit from such type of analysis of heterogeneous data, including health care devices usage, physiological, cognitive, clinical and medication, personal, behavioural, lifestyle data, occupational and environmental data. In this paper we present a novel approach to public health policy making in a form of an ontology, and an integrated platform for realising this approach. Our solution is model-driven and makes use of big data analytics technology. More specifically, it is based on public health policy decision making (PHPDM) models that steer the public health policy decision making process by defining the data that need to be collected, the ways in which they should be analysed in order to produce the evidence useful for public health policymaking, how this evidence may support or contradict various policy interventions (actions), and the stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. The resulted web-based platform has been implemented using Hadoop, Spark and HBASE, developed in the context of a research programme on public health policy making for the management of hearing loss called EVOTION, funded by the Horizon 2020.

Public Compliance Matters in Evidence-Based Public Health Policy: Evidence from Evaluating Social Distancing in the First Wave of COVID-19.

When the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic first spread, governments could implement a wide range of measures to tackle the outbreaks. Conventional wisdom holds that public health policy should be made on the basis of empirical demonstrations, while little research has probed on how to safeguard the expected policy utility in the case of evidence shortage on novel contagious diseases. In particular, the fight against COVID-19 cannot succeed without public compliance as well as the support of people who have not tested positive. Based on the data from the first wave of COVID-19, by using a random effect estimator, fixed effect method, and hierarchical technique, we specified the efficiency of particular social distancing policies by contextualizing multiple factors. We found that adopting gathering restrictions decreased new case growth but were conditional on its interaction with population density, while mitigation effects constantly corresponded to policy magnitude in a given time; for which the effective patterns varied from three days to sixty days. Overall, policies encouraging social distancing exerted a positive effect on mitigating the first wave of COVID-19. Both the enforcing duration and public compliance constrained the expected impact of nonpharmaceutical intervention according to degrees of policy level. These findings suggest that, when evidence is incomplete, the effectiveness of public health crisis management depends on the combination of policy appropriateness and, accordingly, public compliance.

Evidence-based Public Health BA curriculum revision: an example of good practice

Background The Medical University of Warsaw began teaching at the faculty of Public Health at the Division of Health Science in the academic year 2000/2001. Initially, it only offered M.A. studies; however B.A. degrees were introduced in 2003. Student self-assessment of their level of preparedness to embark on a career path upon completion of their studies, as well as their opinion on the degree to which specific education outcomes were achieved in their course of studies can be of high practical significance and can become a launchpad for the improvement and excellence of the quality of education at the faculty of Public Health. Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to compare opinions on achieving education outcomes and self-assessments of the perceived level of readiness to start a job of B.A. graduates at the Faculty of Public Health, Division of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw. Material and methods The anonymous questionnaire consisted of two parts: 1. Students’ self-assessment of reaching the assumed education outcomes; 2. Students’ assessment of reaching the assumed education outcomes in the course of their studies. Each statement was assessed in a 5-point Likert scale. The studied population included 85 B.A. graduates (2015/16) (82 female, 3 males – 96% female). The mean age of students in the studied group was 23 ± 7.2 years. Results The most important result was the high degree of compliance identified between the students' self-assessments and the assessment of the level of education outcomes achieved in the course of their studies. Conclusions Graduate self-assessments and opinions on the level of achieving education outcomes during B.A. studies can help to modify the curriculum in question following the principles of evidence-based education. Such studies should be carried out regularly to adapt to current graduate needs and labour market requirements.

Examining the Built Environment for Healthy Living via Virtual Street Audits.

During the fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters, 156 MPH students enrolled in the Integrative Learning Experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health explored concepts of the built environment and health by auditing 2500 street segments in 4 urban neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama. In teams of 4 to 5, in-class and online students worked collaboratively to assess 63 built environment variables related to transportation, land use, advertisement, and neighborhood physical disorder. This type of “community assessment” is the first stage of the Evidence-based Public Health Framework and consistent with the applied nature of an MPH degree. Authors conducted secondary data analysis of final team assignments to demonstrate how students translated observations and ratings into practical recommendations for neighborhood improvements to promote physical activity. Students recommended improvements in neighborhood infrastructure and services, specifically: creating exercise space, providing outdoor exercise equipment, improving neighborhood safety, and cultivating a culture of health. The Integrative Learning Experience course encouraged students to use their knowledge and skills to prioritize recommendations to improve neighborhood conditions. Variable ratings and observations increased student awareness of the built environment and its potential to impact individual and community health. Moreover, the project helped students make connections between proximal outcomes, such as improving neighborhood walkability, and distal outcomes, such as improved health outcomes among residents. Finally, this project modeled for students the use of evidence-based strategies for making data-informed decisions, which are essential skills for new and emerging public health professionals.

Evidence-Based Public Policy Decision-Making in Smart Cities: Does Extant Theory Support Achievement of City Sustainability Objectives?

Evidence-based decision making is promoted as offering efficiency and effectiveness; however, its uptake has faced barriers such as underdeveloped supporting culture, limited access to evidence, and evidence that is not fully relevant. Smart city conceptualizations offer economic and environmental sustainability and better quality of life through evidence-based policy decision-making. We wondered whether smart city theory and practice has advanced the knowledge of evidence-based decision-making. We searched major databases for literature containing a mention of smart cities, decision-making, and policy. We identified relevant literature from a range of disciplines and supplemented these by following backwards and forwards citations. Evidence-based decision-making was found mostly in literature regarding the theory and practice of smart city operations, and, to lesser extents, the articles regarding policy decisions and tactical decisions. Better decision-making which supported the achievement of city sustainability objectives was reported in some articles; however, we found significant obstacles to the further achievement of city objectives in the areas of underachievement in collaborative decision-making, privileging of big data evidence, and artificial intelligence agents as decision-makers. We assembled a definition of smart city decision-making and developed an agenda of research which will support city governments, theorists, and practitioners in better achieving sustainability through improved decision-making.

Integrated Knowledge Translation in Non-Communicable Disease Research in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparison of Systematic and Ad Hoc Stakeholder Engagement

BackgroundLow- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are currently experiencing an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To address this as well as other health challenges, Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) approaches to build mutually beneficial relationships between researchers and decision-makers can concurrently inform research as well as enhance evidence use in policy and practice. The Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) is a research consortium which conducts research on NCDs and uses an IKT approach to facilitate the uptake of this research in five African countries: Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, and South Africa. Tailored IKT strategies were designed and implemented to plan and guide stakeholder engagement. This systematic approach contrasts with more commonly usedad hocapproaches to stakeholder engagement.MethodsIn this article, we explore the experiences of researchers engaged in the CEBHA+ IKT approach across the five African countries. Data sources included: 1) an informal document review of CEBHA+ country-specific IKT strategies, IKT team meeting minutes and activity reports, and 2) a semi-structured survey of IKT implementers to elicit country-specific experiences on actual implementation and adaptation of the IKT strategies. Results were collated and contrasted across all CEBHA+ countries with a focus on systematic versusad hocapproaches to engagement.ResultsSouth Africa, Malawi and Ethiopia country teams indicated that their engagements benefited from a systematic IKT strategy. This was especially the case in the early stages of the project as it allowed focused and intentional engagement. However,ad hocengagement was still required as new professional relationships developed, and contextual circumstances - including the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - required responsive engagement with decision-makers and other stakeholders. In Rwanda and Uganda, continuous systematic engagement was found to bolster ownership of the research at both community and national levels.ConclusionPolitical and health climates are constantly shifting with a need to maintain flexibility in how IKT strategies are implemented. While strategic IKT can benefit from deliberate planning and stakeholder engagement, there is value in remaining flexible to respond to the needs of stakeholders and contextual circumstances. This paper highlights how IKT implementers in the five African CEBHA+ countries responded to this challenge.

COVID-19 containment measures analysis

Abstract On a bi-weekly basis, COVID-19 control measures were analyzed through a deeper investigation by the Evidence-Based Public Health Unit at ZIG. The biweekly analysis focused on a list of countries selected on the basis of their accelerating or decelerating COVID-19 epidemiological trend. For this, a policy analysis framework was developed to contextualize the epidemiological trend in conjunction with the change in the public policy landscape.

Evaluating and synthesizing COVID-19 evidence

Abstract The Evidence-Based Public Health Unit monitored the peer reviewed literature for policy-relevant publications. New publications deemed relevant were evaluated using validated appraisal tools, and the findings were communicated in terms of their relevance to public health policy. Alternatively, evidence around specific public health policies were synthesized and also communicated in reports relatively to their effectiveness in controlling the pandemic.