JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

To respond to the need for establishing infodemic management functions at the national public health institute in Germany (Robert Koch Institute; RKI), we explored and assessed available data sources, developed a social listening and integrated analysis framework, and defined when infodemic management functions would activate during emergencies.

Objective:

We aimed to establish a framework for social listening and integrated analysis for public health in the German context, using international examples and technical guidance documents for infodemic management.

Methods:

At the RKI, we 1) identified (potentially) available data sources for social listening and integrated analysis; 2) assessed these data sources for their suitability and usefulness for integrated analysis in addition to an assessment of their risk using RKIs standardised data protection requirement; 3) developed a framework and workflow to combine social listening and integrated analysis to report back actionable infodemic insights for public health communications by the RKI and stakeholders; 4) defined criteria for activating integrated analysis structures in the context of a specific health event or health emergency.

Results:

We identified and assessed 16 different types of data sources for social listening and integrated analysis in three categories: social media and online listening data, RKI-specific data, and infodemic insights. Most data sources can be analysed on a weekly basis to detect current trends and narratives and to inform a timely response through reporting insights that include a risk assessment and scalar judgements of the different narratives and themes.

Conclusions:

This work identified, assessed, and prioritized a wide range of data sources for social listening and integrated analysis to report actionable infodemic insights, ensuring a valuable first step to establish and operationalise infodemic management at the RKI. This case study also serves as a roadmap for others to follow. Ultimately, once operational, these activities will inform better and targeted public health communication at the RKI, and beyond. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.