Most of the epidemiological models of the Covid-19 pandemic contain the reproduction number (R) as a parameter. In this article we focus on some shortcomings regarding its role in driving health policies and political decisions. First, we summarize what R is and what it is used for. Second, we introduce a three-question matrix for the evaluation of any construct or parameter within a model. We then review the main literature about R to highlight some of its shortcomings and apply to them our three-question matrix. Finally, we argue that these shortcomings are important for an epistemic and political evaluation of R.

Amoretti, M., Lalumera, E. (2022). Reviewing the Reproduction Number R in Covid-19 Models. PHILOSOPHY OF MEDICINE, 3(1), 1-16 [10.5195/philmed..78].

Reviewing the Reproduction Number R in Covid-19 Models

Lalumera, Elisabetta
Co-primo
2022

Abstract

Most of the epidemiological models of the Covid-19 pandemic contain the reproduction number (R) as a parameter. In this article we focus on some shortcomings regarding its role in driving health policies and political decisions. First, we summarize what R is and what it is used for. Second, we introduce a three-question matrix for the evaluation of any construct or parameter within a model. We then review the main literature about R to highlight some of its shortcomings and apply to them our three-question matrix. Finally, we argue that these shortcomings are important for an epistemic and political evaluation of R.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Epidemiological models; Covid-19; reproduction number;
English
26-apr-2022
2022
3
1
1
16
open
Amoretti, M., Lalumera, E. (2022). Reviewing the Reproduction Number R in Covid-19 Models. PHILOSOPHY OF MEDICINE, 3(1), 1-16 [10.5195/philmed..78].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/370505
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