In decision-making about epidemic management, experts and policymakers in governmental institutions face the challenge of balancing numerous values, needs and interest. These decisions are complex, and have to be made within a context of uncertainty, public unrest and limited time. Despite the potential value of public engagement, the perspectives of the publics are limitedly integrated in decisions about epidemic management. Publics possess unique experiences, concerns, needs and ideas that can aid in the complex trade-offs at certain times in epidemics. Furthermore, engaging the publics can enhance their understanding of decision-making processes, and possibly even garner public support for these decisions and trust in decision-making institutions. Up until now, publics have for example supported response activities in epidemic management such as surveillance, improvement of communication campaigns or the execution of restriction measures. Yet, the structural integration of public values, needs and experiences into the development of epidemic management strategies has not been realized. This raises uncertainties about the feasibility and methodology of incorporating public engagement in epidemic management. The primary objective of this thesis was to explore whether and how public engagement can be integrated into decision-making about epidemic management, using the COVID-19 epidemic as a case.
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