Which sectors should be involved in public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery decision-making? A RAND-modified consensus procedure among European Union country experts

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the imperative for multisectoral collaboration and a whole-of-society approach to managing public health emergencies (PHE). However, there are currently no guidelines available on which sectors should be included in public health emergency preparedness and response (PHEPR). There is also a lack of guidance on how to encourage multisectoral collaboration during emergencies. This study gathers insights from European experts to identify key sectors for PHE preparedness, response, and recovery.MethodsA multi-stage Delphi study was conducted with European PHE experts to compile (i) a consensus-driven list of priority sectors for PHE decision-making, and (ii) a list of recommendations on how to incorporate multisectoral collaboration in PHEPR plans.ResultsOf the 28 predefined sectors, consensus was reached among experts on 12 sectors that should be included in decision-making during preparedness, response, and recovery. One additional sector was identified as relevant during the response phase. Furthermore, consensus was reached for ten suggested recommendations on how to incorporate multisectoral collaboration in national PHEPR plans.ConclusionsThis study provides the collective opinion of European PHE experts on a list of 13 sectors that should be included in decision-making during PHE preparedness, response, and/or recovery. It also provides ten recommendations on how to improve multisectoral collaboration. These can be used as systematic checklists when PHEPR experts consider how to integrate different sectors and multisectoral collaboration in PHE management.Trial registrationNot applicable.