Non-pharmacological interventions: nomenclature, taxonomy, and working definitions

Many terms have been used to describe interventions that do not involve the use of pharmacological products in the setting of communicable diseases. Terminology has varied, and terms have included physical, non-pharmaceutical, non-drug, non-pharmacologic, and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as public health measures and public health and social measures. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), and the term is now recognized globally. The use of the terms public health measures or public health and social measures has variably been inclusive of the use of vaccines, which would be considered pharmacological products. Given this background and confusion over terminology and descriptions, we have reviewed this topic to provide clarity regarding nomenclature, taxonomy, and definitions, with the aim of ensuring an explicit shared understanding of any interventions that do not involve pharmacological products, given the importance of conducting NPI evaluations for future epidemics and pandemics.