WICID framework version 1.0: criteria and considerations to guide evidence-informed decision-making on non-pharmacological interventions targeting COVID-19

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Abstract

Public health decision-making requires the balancing of numerous, often conflicting factors. However, participatory, evidence-informed decision-making processes to identify and weigh these factors are often not possible- especially, in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While evidence-to-decision frameworks are not able or intended to replace stakeholder participation, they can serve as a tool to approach relevancy and comprehensiveness of the criteria considered.

Objective

To develop a decision-making framework adapted to the challenges of decision-making on non-pharmacological interventions to contain the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

We employed the ‘best fit’ framework synthesis technique and used the WHO-INTEGRATE framework as a starting point. First, we adapted the framework through brainstorming exercises and application to case studies. Next, we conducted a content analysis of comprehensive strategy documents intended to guide policymakers on the phasing out of applied lockdown measures in Germany. Based on factors and criteria identified in this process, we developed the WICID ( W HO- I NTEGRATE C OV ID -19) framework version 1.0.

Results

Twelve comprehensive strategy documents were analysed. The revised framework consists of 11+1 criteria, supported by 48 aspects, and embraces a complex systems perspective. The criteria cover implications for the health of individuals and populations due to and beyond COVID-19, infringement on liberties and fundamental human rights, acceptability and equity considerations, societal, environmental and economic implications, as well as implementation, resource and feasibility considerations.

Discussion

The proposed framework will be expanded through a comprehensive document analysis focusing on key stakeholder groups across the society. The WICID framework can be a tool to support comprehensive evidence-informed decision-making processes.

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  1. SciScore for 10.1101/2020.07.03.20145755: (What is this?)

    Please note, not all rigor criteria are appropriate for all manuscripts.

    Table 1: Rigor

    Institutional Review Board Statementnot detected.
    Randomizationnot detected.
    Blindingnot detected.
    Power Analysisnot detected.
    Sex as a biological variablenot detected.

    Table 2: Resources

    No key resources detected.


    Results from OddPub: We did not detect open data. We also did not detect open code. Researchers are encouraged to share open data when possible (see Nature blog).


    Results from LimitationRecognizer: We detected the following sentences addressing limitations in the study:
    7.6 Strengths and Limitations: The WICID framework was developed by building on the WHO-INTEGRATE framework30 which was developed as a principles-based approach to ensure a solid, comprehensive normative foundation. It is also based on previous research such as the result of an overview of systematic reviews on public health and health system decision-making criteria40, and expanding this foundational framework through a broad set of comprehensive strategy documents informing decision-making processes in Germany. Application in other country contexts therefore need to be tested and the framework, if necessary, updated and revised. The WICID framework was developed using strategy documents intended to inform the German government. While we believe the resulting WICID framework can prove useful and applicable to other regions within and outside Europe, the need for adapting to the respective decision-making contexts is necessary. Likely, the basis of the WHO-INTEGRATE framework, which was developed not only for the global level at the WHO, but also to be applicable on national and sub-national levels throughout the world, can cover factors not adequately captured in the German strategy documents. The framework in its current version 1.0 was developed based primarily on comprehensive strategy documents developed by expert groups. The composition and the intention of the expert groups is likely to have influenced the criteria, consideration, values, and principles covered within ...

    Results from TrialIdentifier: No clinical trial numbers were referenced.


    Results from Barzooka: We did not find any issues relating to the usage of bar graphs.


    Results from JetFighter: We did not find any issues relating to colormaps.


    Results from rtransparent:
    • Thank you for including a conflict of interest statement. Authors are encouraged to include this statement when submitting to a journal.
    • Thank you for including a funding statement. Authors are encouraged to include this statement when submitting to a journal.
    • No protocol registration statement was detected.

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