About Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research
About Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research
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Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health was established in July 2021. The centre is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Health. A key task for the centre will be to support the work of the WHO Working Group on the effects of public health and social measures (PHSM).
Background
Throughout the world, long-lasting non-pharmaceutical interventions, also referred to as Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM), have been implemented to limit the spread of the corona virus. However, while massive efforts have been made in researching the effectiveness of medication and vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been very few studies of the impact of PHSM. As per 31 August 2021, 2180 controlled trials on pharmaceutical interventions were registered, while the number of registered trials of PHSM was 17[1].
The overall mission for the centre is to produce more and better evidence on the effects of public health and social interventions, and non-pharmacological infection control measures, specifically. This will be of great importance to fight the Covid-19 virus and to be better prepared for future pandemics. The centre will collaborate with researchers, institutions, organisations, and stakeholders both nationally and internationally. The former Centre for Informed Health Choices is incorporated into the Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research.
Strategy
Mission: CEIR conducts research to inform decisions about public health and social measures in epidemics, and to reduce the harms of misinformation.
Strategy for excellence
CEIR makes use of rigorous research methods:
- User involvement, pilot testing and extensive user testing are key elements in CEIR’s research projects.
- In effectiveness evaluations we give preference to randomized trials whenever feasible.
- Process evaluations are an integral part of our projects, providing insights beyond the quantitative findings from group comparisons.
CEIR’s effect studies are registered, and research protocols are published prospectively. Study reports are published in journals that provide immediate, free access.
Strategy for impact
A prioritization exercise with broad stakeholder involvement guides the selection of interventions to be studied by CEIR.
CEIR will become a WHO Collaborating Centre.
CEIR’s advisory board consists of representatives from a broad range of key stakeholder groups.
The following aims ensure that CEIR’s projects are relevant and useful for decision making about public health and social measures:
AIM 1 – CEIR will prepare and lay the groundwork for the conduct on effectiveness studies by
- Mapping and addressing barriers/determinants to effect studies including legal, ethical, data security and other considerations for effect studies.
- Communicating experienced barriers to carrying out studies.
- Systematically reviewing effect studies to prioritise and inform the design of new studies.
- Preparing study protocols for effect studies of key interventions.
AIM 2 – CEIR will carry out effect studies by
- Conducting effect studies of infection control measures, including studies of interventions to improve adherence to infection control measures.
- Taking advantage of annual influenza seasons and other periods and places with high incidence of infectious diseases
- Evaluating the effects of communication strategies and sanctioning, on perceptions and intended behaviors.
AIM 3 – CEIR will support the use of research in decision-making in health crises, and improve decision makers’ ability to make informed choices by
- Designing and user testing tools for preparing evidence-based advice for policymakers.
- Developing and evaluating tools to improve people’s ability to make informed choices.
Implementation
The CEIR team is a multidisciplinary, highly competent, and inclusive group.
CEIR projects are run as a collaborative effort involving several team members and external partners.
CEIR applies for research funding from the Norwegian Research Council, the EU and other key funding agencies to supplement the centre’s core funding.
CEIR is a driving force in the global community of practice of researchers that run effectiveness studies of public health and social measures.
Conducting large scale trials of public health and social measures is not always feasible, and some attempts will fail. We will disseminate lessons learnt from such projects.
National Advisory Board
- Bjørn-Inge Larsen, Head of Advisory Board, Ministry of Health and Care Services
- Liv Arum, Norwegian Pensioners’ Assocation
- Ingrid Tyridal Bjerring, Municipal Chief Medical
Officer, Lier Municipality - Per Øystein Eikrem, Ministry of Finance
- Merete Habberstad, Norwegian Hospitality Association
- Håkon Kavli, Ministry of Education and Research
- Leif Edvard Muruvik Vonen, Norwegian Medical Association
- Miert Skjoldborg Lindboe, Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities
- Espen Nakstad, Norwegian Directorate of Health
- Esperanza Diaz, Pandemic Centre, University of Bergen
- Kristin Bleie, Norwegian Confederation of Trade
Unions - Einar Ove Standal, Union of Education Norway
- Bente Westrum, County Governor, Innlandet
- Anita Brekken, Norwegian Nurses Organisation
