gms | German Medical Science

Description: Due to the changing climate and changes in the human-animal-environment interaction, the likelihood of extreme infectious disease events such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is expected to increase in the coming decades. Prior to the availability of vaccines or effective medical treatment, non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) are often the only available measures in containing or mitigating the threat, and they are likely to remain important thereafter. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has not only highlighted the importance of generating evidence on the effectiveness of NPIs, but also has exposed barriers in broader usage of innovative approaches for evidence generation worldwide and in Germany in particular [1].

We aim to reflect on methods and approaches on how evidence on the effectiveness as well as on the adverse and other unintended consequences of NPIs can be created during extreme infectious disease events using the world café method. Furthermore, we aim to facilitate exchange between interested stakeholders, provide suggestions for methodological approaches, and to develop suggestions to overcome barriers for employing these approaches.

Based on the results of the workshop and together with the participants, we intend to provide suggestions and examples of successful applications of approaches for evidence generation on NPIs during extreme infectious disease events. Furthermore, we would like to formulate suggestions for structural reforms to facilitate the usage of such approaches in the future.

Planned methods: We commence with short input presentations on the focus areas followed by structured discussions in small groups employing the world café method. The workshop will address four areas: Two intervention-focus areas: (i) experimental and quasi-experimental approaches of evidence generation and (ii) evaluation of policy interventions; as well as two areas focusing on potential evidence sources: (iii) outbreak reports and investigation and (iv) routine surveillance data. After a short introduction session (5 minutes), four short input presentations (4×5 min.) will provide successful examples of evidence generation in each of the 2×2 focus areas mentioned before. Next, the participants are invited to engage in four moderated, open discussion tables organized in 2 blocks of 25 min., with the option to switch discussion tables between blocks. In a final wrap-up session (15 min.), the groups will present their conclusions.

Competing interests: keine