Innovative methods for dissemination of research results during a Pandemic: A Game- Changing Approach in the ORCHESTRA project

Background Effective communication is crucial during pandemics to mitigate fear and promote acceptance of public health measures. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant challenges, including an overwhelming volume of scientific information, poor quality control, and a rise in false or misleading data. Peer-reviewed publications often faced criticism for fast-tracked review processes, with pre-prints contributing to an increased retraction rate. These issues undermined public trust and the implementation of evidence-based measures. Methods The Horizon2020 ORCHESTRA project developed the COVID-19 Global Guidance Group (CGGG), an external expert evaluation mechanism, to critically assess scientific publications and ensure the dissemination of accurate and relevant findings. The CGGG employed the Delphi method to systematically achieve expert consensus on the evaluation of research outputs. Findings were tailored for stakeholders such as policymakers, the scientific community, and the general public. Results The CGGG evaluated over 100 peer-reviewed publications, achieving an average impact factor of 8.7 and ensuring the dissemination of evidence-based findings. The use of the Delphi method enhanced the rigor of the evaluation process and improved the targeting of communication strategies, addressing gaps in public and scientific engagement during the pandemic. Conclusions The ORCHESTRA project’s experience highlights the value of external expert evaluation, supported by consensus-building approaches like the Delphi method, in scientific dissemination during crises. Broader adoption of similar mechanisms could improve the integrity and effectiveness of communication strategies, bolstering public trust and evidence-based policymaking in future health emergencies.