Interaction between science advice and policymaking in time of COVID-19: a French perspective

Background In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) context, many governments relied on scientific consultative bodies to advise their policy, but their contribution remains poorly documented. This article aims to fill this gap by reviewing the role played by the French High Council for Public Health (HCSP) in the French government's response to COVID-19. Methods We studied the time distribution of the COVID-19 guidelines produced by the HCSP until November 2020, computed their delay of production and analyzed the thematic areas they cover. To assess their use by the authorities, we looked for references to these guidelines in the regulatory texts, protocols and press communicates issued by national and local authorities until January 2021. Results The HCSP was strongly demanded with 102 guidelines produced following 97 official requests and two self-referrals. Most of them (N = 43) concerned protective measures to constrain the infection, while health inequalities and mental health were poorly addressed. Timing was very constraint as half of the guidelines were requested within 4 days. In total, 73% of the guidelines were used by policymakers to implement new obligations or within communication toward the public at national and local levels. Conclusions This article informs on the HCSP's contribution during the crisis and stresses the difficulties it encountered to provide quality recommendations in very short times. It prompts governments to enlarge the competencies of their advisory boards and to consider the multidimensional aspects of health in policy design.