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Brubacher LJ, Lovato CY, Sriram V, Cheng M, Berman P. The use of evidence to guide decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: divergent perspectives from a qualitative case study in British Columbia, Canada. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:66. [PMID: 38831457 PMCID: PMC11145826 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01146-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The challenges of evidence-informed decision-making in a public health emergency have never been so notable as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions about the decision-making process, including what forms of evidence were used, and how evidence informed-or did not inform-policy have been debated. METHODS We examined decision-makers' observations on evidence-use in early COVID-19 policy-making in British Columbia (BC), Canada through a qualitative case study. From July 2021- January 2022, we conducted 18 semi-structured key informant interviews with BC elected officials, provincial and regional-level health officials, and civil society actors involved in the public health response. The questions focused on: (1) the use of evidence in policy-making; (2) the interface between researchers and policy-makers; and (3) key challenges perceived by respondents as barriers to applying evidence to COVID-19 policy decisions. Data were analyzed thematically, using a constant comparative method. Framework analysis was also employed to generate analytic insights across stakeholder perspectives. RESULTS Overall, while many actors' impressions were that BC's early COVID-19 policy response was evidence-informed, an overarching theme was a lack of clarity and uncertainty as to what evidence was used and how it flowed into decision-making processes. Perspectives diverged on the relationship between 'government' and public health expertise, and whether or not public health actors had an independent voice in articulating evidence to inform pandemic governance. Respondents perceived a lack of coordination and continuity across data sources, and a lack of explicit guidelines on evidence-use in the decision-making process, which resulted in a sense of fragmentation. The tension between the processes involved in research and the need for rapid decision-making was perceived as a barrier to using evidence to inform policy. CONCLUSIONS Areas to be considered in planning for future emergencies include: information flow between policy-makers and researchers, coordination of data collection and use, and transparency as to how decisions are made-all of which reflect a need to improve communication. Based on our findings, clear mechanisms and processes for channeling varied forms of evidence into decision-making need to be identified, and doing so will strengthen preparedness for future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jane Brubacher
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Chris Y Lovato
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Veena Sriram
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Cheng
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Berman
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Rubin O, King C, von Schreeb J, Morsut C, Kovács G, Raju E. The COVID-19 quandemic. Global Health 2024; 20:19. [PMID: 38431647 PMCID: PMC10908106 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The terms syndemic and infodemic have both been applied to the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasize concurrent socio-cultural dynamics that are distinct from the epidemiological outbreak itself. We argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed yet another important socio-political dynamic that can best be captured by the concept of a quandemic - a portmanteau of "quantification" and "pandemic". MAIN TEXT The use of quantifiable metrics in policymaking and evaluation has increased throughout the last decades, and is driven by a synergetic relationship between increases in supply and advances in demand for data. In most regards this is a welcome development. However, a quandemic, refers to a situation where a small subset of quantifiable metrics dominate policymaking and the public debate, at the expense of more nuanced and multi-disciplinary discourse. We therefore pose that a quandemic reduces a complex pandemic to a few metrics that present an overly simplified picture. During COVID-19, these metrics were different iterations of case numbers, deaths, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, bed occupancy rates, the R-number and vaccination coverage. These limited metrics came to constitute the internationally recognized benchmarks for effective pandemic management. Based on experience from the Nordic region, we propose four distinct dynamics that characterize a quandemic: 1) A limited number of metrics tend to dominate both political, expert, and public spheres and exhibit a great deal of rigidity over time. 2) These few metrics crowd-out other forms of evidence relevant to pandemic response. 3) The metrics tend to favour certain outcomes of pandemic management, such as reducing hospitalization rates, while not capturing potential adverse effects such as social isolation and loneliness. 4) Finally, the metrics are easily standardized across countries, and give rise to competitive dynamics based on international comparisons and benchmarking. CONCLUSION A quandemic is not inevitable. While metrics are an indispensable part of evidence-informed policymaking, being attentive to quandemic dynamics also means identifying relevant evidence that might not be captured by these few but dominant metrics. Pandemic responses need to account for and consider multilayered vulnerabilities and risks, including socioeconomic inequities and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Rubin
- Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johan von Schreeb
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Morsut
- Department of Safety, Economics and Planning, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Gyöngyi Kovács
- HUMLOG Institute, Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmanuel Raju
- Global Health Section and The Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Christensen T, Jensen MD, Kluth M, Kristinsson GH, Lynggaard K, Lægreid P, Niemikari R, Pierre J, Raunio T, Adolf Skúlason G. The Nordic governments' responses to the Covid-19 pandemic: A comparative study of variation in governance arrangements and regulatory instruments. REGULATION & GOVERNANCE 2022; 17:REGO12497. [PMID: 36246344 PMCID: PMC9538262 DOI: 10.1111/rego.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Government responses to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Nordic states-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden-exhibit similarities and differences. This article investigates the extent to which crisis policymaking diverges from normal policymaking within the Nordic countries and whether variations between the countries are associated with the role of expertise and the level of politicization. Government responses are analyzed in terms of governance arrangements and regulatory instruments. Findings demonstrate some deviation from normal policymaking within and considerable variation between the Nordic countries, as Denmark, Finland, and to some extent Norway exhibit similar patterns with hierarchical command and control governance arrangements, while Iceland, in some instances, resembles the case of Sweden, which has made use of network-based governance. The article shows that the higher the influence of experts, the more likely it is that the governance arrangement will be network-based.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mads Dagnis Jensen
- Department of International Economics, Government and BusinessCopenhagen Business SchoolFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Michael Kluth
- Department of Social Sciences and BusinessRoskilde UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | | | - Kennet Lynggaard
- Department of Social Sciences and BusinessRoskilde UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Per Lægreid
- Department of GovernmentUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Risto Niemikari
- Faculty of Management and BusinessTampere UniversitiesTampereFinland
| | - Jon Pierre
- Department of Political ScienceUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Tapio Raunio
- Faculty of Management and BusinessTampere UniversitiesTampereFinland
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Schippers MC, Ioannidis JPA, Joffe AR. Aggressive measures, rising inequalities, and mass formation during the COVID-19 crisis: An overview and proposed way forward. Front Public Health 2022; 10:950965. [PMID: 36159300 PMCID: PMC9491114 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.950965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of aggressive restrictive measures were adopted around the world in 2020-2022 to attempt to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from spreading. However, it has become increasingly clear the most aggressive (lockdown) response strategies may involve negative side-effects such as a steep increase in poverty, hunger, and inequalities. Several economic, educational, and health repercussions have fallen disproportionately on children, students, young workers, and especially on groups with pre-existing inequalities such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and women. This has led to a vicious cycle of rising inequalities and health issues. For example, educational and financial security decreased along with rising unemployment and loss of life purpose. Domestic violence surged due to dysfunctional families being forced to spend more time with each other. In the current narrative and scoping review, we describe macro-dynamics that are taking place because of aggressive public health policies and psychological tactics to influence public behavior, such as mass formation and crowd behavior. Coupled with the effect of inequalities, we describe how these factors can interact toward aggravating ripple effects. In light of evidence regarding the health, economic and social costs, that likely far outweigh potential benefits, the authors suggest that, first, where applicable, aggressive lockdown policies should be reversed and their re-adoption in the future should be avoided. If measures are needed, these should be non-disruptive. Second, it is important to assess dispassionately the damage done by aggressive measures and offer ways to alleviate the burden and long-term effects. Third, the structures in place that have led to counterproductive policies should be assessed and ways should be sought to optimize decision-making, such as counteracting groupthink and increasing the level of reflexivity. Finally, a package of scalable positive psychology interventions is suggested to counteract the damage done and improve humanity's prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaéla C. Schippers
- Department of Technology and Operations Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Michaéla C. Schippers
| | - John P. A. Ioannidis
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ari R. Joffe
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,John Dossetor Health Ethics Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Vickery J, Atkinson P, Lin L, Rubin O, Upshur R, Yeoh EK, Boyer C, Errett NA. Challenges to evidence-informed decision-making in the context of pandemics: qualitative study of COVID-19 policy advisor perspectives. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e008268. [PMID: 35450862 PMCID: PMC9023846 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The exceptional production of research evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic required deployment of scientists to act in advisory roles to aid policy-makers in making evidence-informed decisions. The unprecedented breadth, scale and duration of the pandemic provides an opportunity to understand how science advisors experience and mitigate challenges associated with insufficient, evolving and/or conflicting evidence to inform public health decision-making. OBJECTIVES To explore critically the challenges for advising evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in pandemic contexts, particularly around non-pharmaceutical control measures, from the perspective of experts advising policy-makers during COVID-19 globally. METHODS We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 27 scientific experts and advisors who are/were engaged in COVID-19 EIDM representing four WHO regions and 11 countries (Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ghana, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Sweden, Uganda, UK, USA) from December 2020 to May 2021. Participants informed decision-making at various and multiple levels of governance, including local/city (n=3), state/provincial (n=8), federal or national (n=20), regional or international (n=3) and university-level advising (n=3). Following each interview, we conducted member checks with participants and thematically analysed interview data using NVivo for Mac software. RESULTS Findings from this study indicate multiple overarching challenges to pandemic EIDM specific to interpretation and translation of evidence, including the speed and influx of new, evolving, and conflicting evidence; concerns about scientific integrity and misinterpretation of evidence; the limited capacity to assess and produce evidence, and adapting evidence from other contexts; multiple forms of evidence and perspectives needed for EIDM; the need to make decisions quickly and under conditions of uncertainty; and a lack of transparency in how decisions are made and applied. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the urgent need for global EIDM guidance that countries can adapt for in-country decisions as well as coordinated global response to future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Vickery
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Paul Atkinson
- Department of Public Health Policy and Systems/Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Leesa Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Olivier Rubin
- Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ross Upshur
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eng-Kiong Yeoh
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, China
| | - Chris Boyer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nicole A Errett
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Christensen T, Lægreid P. Scientization Under Pressure—The Problematic Role of Expert Bodies During the Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic. PUBLIC ORGANIZATION REVIEW 2022; 22. [PMCID: PMC9022164 DOI: 10.1007/s11115-022-00605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This article focuses on the role of experts in the Norwegian decision-making process in central government during the crisis management of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on a structural-instrumental and a cultural perspective. The main findings are that managing the pandemic led to a centralization of power in the hands of the political leadership, a blurring of the dichotomy between politics and administration, and a variety of expert advice. The crisis management also reflected the cultural appropriateness of a collaborative decision-making style, but it was not characterized by a scientization of policymaking. Rather than policymaking by experts it was policymaking informed by experts.
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