A framework for scientific advice on health: EuSANH’s principles and guidelines

BACKGROUND: Society expects politicians to make sound decisions by bringing the best evidence to bear on the health problems in question. Performing this task requires access to independent sources of sound scientific advice. The European Science Advisory Network for Health (EuSANH) is a network of national science advisory bodies in Europe which are active in the field of health and provide independent scientific advice to their authorities. The EuSANH addressed this question in a European project. METHODS: Guidelines and principles for producing sound advice have been formulated after international comparative evaluations and extensive discussions among participants of the EuSANH-ISA project with input from international experts. RESULTS: A framework for scientific advice on health has been produced. CONCLUSIONS: This framework will ensure a uniform approach and thus opens possibilities for collaboration between science advisory bodies.