PHES-EF
Public Health Environmental Surveillance Evaluation Framework
PHES-EF is an international consensus study that will develop a comprehensive framework to evaluate public health environmental surveillance systems. We will use wastewater-based surveillance as our primary example.
Our approach: We will use the Delphi method—an iterative survey process using structured feedback and expert anonymity to build consensus. A diverse panel of global experts will help us create an evidence-informed framework for assessing surveillance system performance. Learn more about the e-Delphi study.
Next steps: We will finalize the list of candidate items this fall. Registration for e-Delphi panellists will open in January 2027, Round 1 of the survey will run in March 2027 and Round 2 will run from April to May 2027.
Want to participate? Contact us
Project status
1
Executive group established
2
Generating candidate items
3
International e-Delphi survey
4
Consensus meeting
5
Dissemination
Latest news
Study update October 2026
Updated study timeline
Registration for e-Delphi panellists will open in January 2027. Round 1 will run in March 2027, Round 2 from April to May 2027, and the consensus meeting will be held in September or October 2027.
Publication May 2025
Study protocol published in PLOS ONE
Our protocol for an international, multidisciplinary Delphi study is published open access.
Registration February 2024
Scoping review protocols registered
Our two scoping review protocols are registered on the Open Science Framework.
Funding and acknowledgements
This project is funded by:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CoVaRR-Net, FRN: 175622)
- Health Canada (Safe Restart Agreement, #2223-HQ-000098)
The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the funding organizations.