@article{Ashcroft_T-2025_196687,
title = {Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions as implemented in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid review},
author = {Ashcroft, T. and McSwiggan, E. and Agyei-Manu, E. and Nundy, M. and Atkins, N. and Kirkwood, J. and Ben Salem Machiri, M. and Vardhan, V. and Lee, B. and Kubat, E. and Ravishankar, S. and Krishan, P. and De Silva, U. and Lyahen, E. and Rostron, J. and Zawiejska, A. and Ogarrio, K. and Harikar, M. and Chishty, S. and Murreyi, D. and Evans, B. and Duval, D. and Carville, S. and Brini, S. and Hill, J. and Qureshi, M. and Simmons, Z. and Lyell, I. and Kavoi, T. and Dozier, M. and Curry, G. and Ordonez-Mena, J. and de Lusignan, S. and Sheikh, A. and Theodoratou, E. and McQuillan, R.},
month = {mar},
year = {2025},
abstract = {Background Although non-pharmaceutical inventions (NPIs) were used globally to control the spread of COVID-19, their effectiveness remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the evidence on NPIs as implemented in the UK, to allow public health bodies to prepare for future pandemics. Methods We used rapid systematic methods (search date: January 2024) to identify, critically appraise and synthesise interventional, observational, and modelling studies reporting on NPI effectiveness in the UK.  Results Eighty-five modelling, nine observational, and three interventional studies were included. Modelling studies had multiple quality issues; six of the 12 non-modelling studies were high quality. The best available evidence was for test and release strategies for case contacts (moderate certainty), which was suggestive of a protective effect. Although evidence for school-related NPIs and universal lockdown was also suggestive of a protective effect, this evidence was considered low certainty. Evidence certainty for the remaining NPIs was very low or inconclusive. Conclusion The validity and reliability of evidence on the effectiveness of NPIs as implemented in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic is weak. To improve evidence generation and support decision-making during future pandemic or other public health emergencies, it is essential to build evaluation into the design of public health interventions.},
journal = {Journal of Public Health},
publisher = {Oxford University Press},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaf017},
}
