Decision-making process and evaluation of public health interventions

Abstract

Objective: We have designed a methodological framework for experts involved in the support of decision-making in public health interventions. Methods: The methodological framework consists of four elements: 1) A series of nine questions, formulated in non-technical terms, relevant to assessment of the usefulness of an intervention, at a given time in a given context; 2) Translation of these questions into concepts related to the evaluation of interventions (definition of the intervention, its target and objective, potential and actual effectiveness, safety, efficiency, and equity); 3) Logical organization of the information needed to address and answer the questions; and 4) An algorithm to translate the available information into recommendations on the real usefulness of the intervention in the context in which the questions were raised. Results: Each step is illustrated by questions raised about road safety interventions, screening, blood transfusion and measures proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Decision-making can be facilitated if experts provide decision-makers with a formal summary of the strengths and weaknesses of existing knowledge, based on an analysis of all facets of an intervention's potential usefulness.