Improving Pandemic Preparedness: Enhancing the Adoption and Implementation of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions Through the Application of the Macro Environmental Analysis Framework to the Situational Facilitators and Inhibitors in the Protective Action Decision Model

This project was a runner-up for the  "Novel research (qualitative)" prize on our Pandemics (Sept 2024) course. The text below is an excerpt from the final project.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in late 2019, highlighted the critical role of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in controlling disease spread before vaccines and therapeutics became available. Studies confirm that NPIs, such as mask-wearing and remote work, were generally effective in reducing transmission but faced challenges, including public resistance, misinformation, economic constraints, and inconsistent messaging.

Success in NPI adoption depends on a complex interplay of social, political, environmental, and individual factors. To enhance NPI effectiveness, this paper integrates two theoretical models: (1) an external environmental scanning and strategy model to address external constraints and (2) the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), which explains individual decision-making in emergencies. This integrated framework enables policymakers to identify and address facilitators and barriers to NPI adoption, aligning protective action decisions with biosecurity goals. By improving NPI adoption and implementation, policymakers can reduce transmission, prevent illnesses and deaths, and avert pandemics. The study underscores the importance of understanding external environmental constraints and applying these insights to enhance public health strategies.

Full project

You can view the full project here.