Open AccessReviewing the Reproduction Number R in Covid-19 Models
Author(s) -
Maria Cristina Amoretti,
Elisabetta Lalumera
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
philosophy of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2692-3963
DOI - 10.5195/philmed..78
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , covid-19 , reproduction , pandemic , basic reproduction number , politics , focus (optics) , epistemology , matrix (chemical analysis) , computer science , sociology , mathematical economics , political science , biology , mathematics , medicine , virology , philosophy , ecology , law , demography , disease , population , materials science , pathology , outbreak , composite material , programming language , physics , infectious disease (medical specialty) , optics
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.