Public health and social measures during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic: an initial logic model to conceptualise and classify measures

Abstract Issue/problem In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and social measures (PHSM) are being implemented worldwide, but in very different ways. This is also due to a lacking common understanding of PHSM so far. As a result, there are limited insights regarding their components, implementation and effectiveness as well as impacts beyond health of PHSM. Description of the problem The project contributes to the WHO PHSM initiative. A logic model is being developed that offers a shared language and understanding of how PHSM are intended to achieve transmission-related outcomes, but also that non-intended consequences need to be considered. The overall approach is informed by a system-based logic model template and a staged approach to logic modeling. The development process is making use of (i) existing COVID PHSM taxonomies and related literature, (ii) existing theoretical frameworks related to complex interventions in complex systems, (iii) consultations with WHO staff and the according PHSM steering group, and (v) iterative brainstorming within the working group. Results The initial logic model is rooted in a complexity perspective which recognises that (i) all measures have both intended and unintended consequences for health and society and (ii) all elements within the logic model are interconnected and interact with each other. All PHSM operate through two basic mechanisms: reducing contacts and making contacts safer. Taken together, these two mechanisms work to reduce transmission-relevant contacts. Any specific PHSM is defined by a combination of the measure itself, the population and/or setting targeted and the mode of enactment. The central hub of the logic model connects and integrates all elements. The initial logic model was applied to school and travel measures as examples. Main messages The PHSM logic model is a conceptual basis to facilitate research on PHSM, monitoring and evaluation of PHSM, and evidence-informed decision-making.

The presentation will focus on two main outcomes of the WHO initiative: a global research agenda to steer future evidence generation on PHSM, and a central monitoring system for PHSM research.In September 2021, a global technical consultation with over 60 global experts was organized to review the existing evidence on PHSM and identify the initiative's priorities.The consultation provided an opportunity to have an initial discussion on potential research priorities.This became the basis for an iterative online consultation process.The draft research agenda includes seven main research themes including effectiveness, unintended consequences, methodological challenges and implementation considerations affecting the uptake of and adherence to PHSM.Workshop participants will be invited to comment on the suggested themes and propose additional priority questions for the research agenda.The central research monitoring system will consist of a global repository of primary studies and reviews investigating the effectiveness and broader multisectoral impact of PHSM.Indexed studies will be mapped against the key themes of the research agenda, facilitating real-time monitoring and evaluation of its progress.An AI-based mechanism for automated updating of systematic reviews will complement the database.This one-stop shop will allow researchers and decision-makers worldwide to access the latest evidence on PHSM and keep track of the synthesized effectiveness and impact of different interventions and combinations.The platform will further provide a protected working interface.This monitoring system for PHSM research enables timely access to and utilization of evidence indecisionmaking processes during health emergencies and fosters international collaboration on the analysis and interpretation of data.Workshop participants will be invited to review the alpha version of the platform.

Issue/problem:
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and social measures (PHSM) are being implemented worldwide, but in very different ways.This is also due to a lacking common understanding of PHSM so far.As a result, there are limited insights regarding their components, implementation and effectiveness as well as impacts beyond health of PHSM.

Description of the problem:
The project contributes to the WHO PHSM initiative.A logic model is being developed that offers a shared language and understanding of how PHSM are intended to achieve transmission-related outcomes, but also that non-intended consequences need to be considered.The overall approach is informed by a system-based logic model template and a staged approach to logic modeling.The development process is making use of (i) existing COVID PHSM taxonomies and related literature, (ii) existing theoretical frameworks related to complex interventions in complex systems, (iii) consultations with WHO staff and the according PHSM steering group, and (v) iterative brainstorming within the working group.

Results:
The initial logic model is rooted in a complexity perspective which recognises that (i) all measures have both intended and unintended consequences for health and society and (ii) all elements within the logic model are interconnected and interact with each other.All PHSM operate through two basic mechanisms: reducing contacts and making contacts safer.Taken together, these two mechanisms work to reduce transmission-relevant contacts.Any specific PHSM is defined by a combination of the measure itself, the population and/or setting targeted and the mode of enactment.The central hub of the logic model connects and integrates all elements.The initial logic model was applied to school and travel measures as examples.

Main messages:
The PHSM logic model is a conceptual basis to facilitate research on PHSM, monitoring and evaluation of PHSM, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Abstract citation ID: ckac129.535Implementing public health and social measures: an integral part of the health emergency management cycle Tanja Schmidt J Addo 1 , D Cocciolone 1 , C Gapp 1 , A Latta 1 , S Lindmark 1 , L Owen 1 , J Sane 1 , I Perehinets 1 , T Schmidt 1 , C Wippel 1 1 Country Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark Contact: schmidtt@who.intPublic health and social measures (PHSM) have been utilized as a tool to reduce the infection rates and disease burden throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to play an important role even with vaccination campaigns well underway in preventing severe disease.In order to systematically track, analyze and report qualitative and quantitative data o PHSM implementation across the European Region and assist countries in the COVID-19 response, the COVID-19 Incident Management Support team at the WHO Regional Office for iii216 European Journal of Public Health, Volume 32 Supplement 3, 2022