Background
In public health emergencies, the situation and response evolves rapidly, as does our knowledge of it, and speed is of essence. To mitigate such situations, following evidence-based scientific recommendations and guidances from health authorities such as WHO is critically important. However, the extent to which the public observe and follow such recommendations have varied in past public health emergencies of international concern (PHEICs). This depends on a number of factors, such as their access to, understanding of and perceived relevance of and ability to follow, the scientific information. One key factor based on which people could decide whether they may or may not decide to follow scientific recommendations is the level of trust.
Therefore this rapid scoping review is being planned to identify what strengthens trust in science and scientists particularly in public health emergencies.
Objective
- To determine, through a rapid scoping review, whether and, if so, why levels of trust in science, scientists and science-based advice changed before and during recent public health emergencies of international concern
- To identify, based on the analyses, determinants that increase public trust in science and scientists and science-based advice that mitigates the public health emergency
Deliverables:
This project consists of two main pieces of work, which will both be developed under the guidance of the technical team working on science translation in WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Department:
1. Scoping review of the evidence on trust in scientists in public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC):
- The scoping review will expand on current searches conducted, with an approach including (i) grey literature search to identify project reports and evaluations published e.g. on university and government websites, (ii) expanded keyword search ( identified) in relevant electronic databases to identify scientific articles on trust in science in recent public health emergencies including related to SARS, MERS, A (H1N1) influenza, Ebola, Zika and COVID-19 outbreak (iii) snowball sampling to gather expert input to complement the literature search. The detailed search strategy will be reviewed and approved by WHO.
- The search will be conducted in multiple languages (to be determined with the supplier) to avoid a bias towards English-speaking literature and countries.
- Findings of the review will be analyzed using pre-defined categories, which will be developed in close collaboration with the technical team at WHO.
- The results of the review will be made available to WHO via a database, e.g. using Excel.
- Tabulation of retrieved evidence in tables (e.g. list of determinants of trust)
- Summaries of the qualitative evidence per question or question components
- Flow diagram with number of studies found, number reviewed,
- Full text of the included studies
- The review will focus on the following PCC (population, concept and context) elements, which will be finalized and further defined in collaboration with the WHO technical team:
- Population: General population, media professionals, health professionals and policy/decision makers
- Concept:
- Conceptualization of trust in science in general and its specific function for health emergency preparedness
- Interventions, projects and programmes to enhance trust in science as well as the implementation barriers and enablers to identify what works and what does not
- Context:
High-, middle- and low-income settings; a particular focus on health-related and emergency contexts
2. Peer-reviewed article summarizing and analysing the findings of the scoping review:
- The main results of the scoping review will be included in a manuscript to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- The manuscript will be developed under the guidance of the technical team at WHO and underlies WHO-internal clearance and publication processes.
Qualification
Interested organizations and individuals should meet the following requirements:
- 7+ years of experience in public health research including previous experience with leading multidisciplinary research projects is required. Particular expertise in science translation is required.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting and publishing systematic and/or scoping reviews and grey literature searches is required.
- Background in public health, science communication or related field.
- Previous experience in working with WHO is an asset.
- Language: expert knowledge of English required and working knowledge of at least one other UN language preferred.
Place of assignment
The project can be completed remotely.
Travel
No travel is anticipated.
Compensation
Payment will be commensurate with experience of the service provider/team.
Timeline:
7 October 2022 – 31 December 2022
Application procedure
Interested organizations and applicants should send an email to epi-win@who.int by 27 September 18:00 CET. Please indicate the project name in the subject line of your email.
Applicants are kindly requested to include the following information in their application:
- A cover letter describing their motivation for application and highlighting any specific skill or experience relevant,
- CVs of all team members,
- A cost estimate and proposed work plan including timeline.