Gathering data on expert advice-making during public health emergencies – methodological lessons from a qualitative consultative process approach

This paper discusses the methodological lessons learned from applying an innovative Consultative Process Approach to investigate the use of evidence in concrete advice-making processes across various European national health agencies. The methodological approach employs a sequential research design combining two components: a core consultative workshop with participation of key actors involved in national advice-making processes, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with other relevant stakeholders identified to have influenced advice-making. The approach was piloted in five focused after-action review (AAR) case-studies across four countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Georgia). The lessons learned from applying this approach are discussed in terms of the (i) process; (ii) outcomes, and (iii) limitations. The approach appears useful for collecting data among experts about deliberative and decision processes. Limitations mainly pertain to the resources and expertise needed and representativeness of voices. To increase analytical robustness, the paper recommends applying multiple methods.