PHSM Knowledge Hub Overview 

The Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) Knowledge Hub serves as a publicly accessible gateway to research and resources on PHSM. It facilitates the utilization of global multidisciplinary and multisectoral knowledge regarding PHSM, fostering an understanding of effectiveness, unintended consequences, and implementation strategies for PHSM.

This Knowledge Hub has been developed under the auspices of the WHO initiative aimed at measuring the effectiveness and health, social and economic impact of PHSM during health emergencies.

At the heart of this Knowledge Hub are three interconnected tools designed to cater the needs of diverse stakeholders in PHSM research, policy and practice.

PHSM Bibliographic Library

The PHSM Bibliographic Library is a continually updated repository of multilingual, multidisciplinary and multisectoral research articles on PHSM. It is updated through automated and manual searches across multiple electronic databases, preprint repositories, trial registries and other sources.

The PHSM Bibliographic Library is designed to meet the diverse needs of users at all experience level, providing an advanced search interface for efficient information retrieval. This interface includes functionalities such as filters aligned with the WHO PHSM conceptual framework and an extensive controlled vocabulary developed by  Epistemonikos Foundation. Furthermore, the library offers data export options in multiple formats to facilitate saving and sharing of results, as well as a dashboard interface, offering insightful visualizations of indexed PHSM research.
 

Go to PHSM Bibliographic Library.

Disclaimer: the designations employed and the presentation of the material in publications listed in this database does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.

The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products in publications listed in the database does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.

By listing publications in this database and providing links to external sites does not mean that WHO endorses or recommends those publications or sites, or has verified the content contained within them. The database has been compiled without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of publications included in this database lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.

PHSM Research Atlas (under development)

The PHSM Research Atlas will visually map research articles in the PHSM Bibliographic Library onto the WHO PHSM conceptual framework and global research priorities 2021-2030. This tool will offer an engaging and user-friendly visual representation, providing insights into knowledge and gaps across research priority themes, intervention categories, diseases, geographic areas, implementation levels and key populations. The atlas is designed to track research progress, inform targeted research capacity building, optimize research funding allocation, and guide strategic directions for the development of PHSM research.

PHSM Living Systematic Reviews (under development)

PHSM Living Systematic Reviews aim to keep users informed about the dynamic field of PHSM research, particularly during health emergencies. Executed on an innovative platform, these reviews will provide timely insights into emerging trends and questions related to the effectiveness, adherence, and impact of PHSM. Supported by AI and other technologies, the platform seeks to balance methodological rigor with efficient production, complementing the rigorous process of evidence synthesis without replacing it.