Amid the global challenge of the Coronavirus pandemic, Germany has launched a groundbreaking initiative with the establishment of the COVID-19 Evidence Ecosystem (CEO-sys) in the National Network of University Medicine. CEO-sys aims to establish a national evidence network, given a flood of scientific data and publications of variable quality and the need to make quick and well-founded decisions on prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. This network, supported by 21 universities and four non-university partners, aims to create a living evidence ecosystem by identifying, processing, evaluating, synthesizing, and communicating scientific data. 

A network to improve healthcare 

The main objectives of CEO-sys include integrating research planning and results, continuous evidence updating, and processing evidence for guideline-based healthcare. The project aims to lay the foundation for individual treatment decisions, institutional and public care strategies, and policy decisions based on currently available evidence. Methodological work packages prioritize research questions, identify and classify studies, and evaluate studies using modern risk and quality assessment tools.  

Science in the service of society  

By continuously reviewing, processing, and evaluating studies on epidemiological, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic issues, CEO-sys enables a deeper understanding of the pandemic and COVID-19 disease. The project results will help identify and apply the most effective approaches to managing the pandemic and maximizing individual and societal benefits. 

A comprehensive approach to knowledge generation and dissemination 

CEO-sys is committed to producing living evidence syntheses and recommendations for action, which are realized through the continuous review and evaluation of studies. The target group-specific presentation of scientific findings and recommendations for action, for example, through summaries in simple language or so-called policy briefs, makes scientific findings generally understandable and usable. 

Challenges and successes 

Despite the challenges posed by the need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions of the pandemic, CEO-sys has made significant progress. The successful implementation of such a comprehensive work plan was only possible thanks to well-structured project management, reflected in the effective coordination and cooperation between the institutions involved. 

Future prospects 

CEO-sys has made an invaluable contribution during the current pandemic and is laying the foundations for the future management of health crises. The methods and structures established in CEO-sys can serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide, laying the foundation for improved global healthcare. The continuation and further development of this evidence ecosystem would enable continuous and sustainable improvement of knowledge management and decision-making in healthcare, both nationally and internationally.  

CEO-sys impressively demonstrates how the systematic and cooperative processing of scientific evidence can create the basis for well-founded decisions in healthcare and politics. It is an exemplary project for strengthening knowledge management and knowledge translation in the university medicine network, which is of central importance not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also far beyond.  

The CEO-sys is an essential foundation on which the PREPARED (»Pandemic Preparedness«) project in the University Medicine Network is built.