EBPS 1: Intro to EBPS Flashcards
Epidemiology
the study of the distribution and determinants of
disease frequency in human populations
Health
a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
Biostatistics
the application of statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret biological and medical data, aiding in study planning and knowledge generation.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM)
medical practice or care that emphasizes the practical
application of the findings of the best available current research
Clinical research
focuses on studying individuals who are unwell, often in clinical settings, and emphasizes therapeutic interventions
Why are epidemiology and biostatistics important to physicians?
they provide the tools and knowledge needed to interpret new research, make informed decisions, and practice Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) effectively.
What is the best approach to learning the methods of epidemiology and biostatistics?
The Big Six method
1. Description
2. Causation
3. Attribution
4. Mediation
5. Interaction
6. Prediction
Description
addresses how frequent or common are various risk factors, exposure, conditions, or diseases
Causation-related research (inference)
the process of inferring causation, addresses establishing causal relationships among biological,
behavioral, environmental and other factors within humans.
Attribution
addresses what fraction or how many cases of disease Y can be eliminated if a causal exposure X is eliminated or reduced
Mediation
- addresses the mechanisms of causal relationships.
- given that X does cause Y, how does X cause Y? What is the mechanism?
Interaction
- addresses when and for whom does X cause/predict Y
- like attribution and mediation, interaction is also closely related to causation
Prediction
addresses as to whether some feature A or a combination of features A, B, and C predict the concurrent presence or future occurrence of Y
Why worry about causes of diseases?
- So that we could determine causes of diseases
- So that we can intervene
- So that we can reduce or prevent disease
How could we determine causes of diseases?
Conduct population studies using epidemiological methods
Why should pharmacists care about Epidemiology?
- to practice evidenced based medicine
- to provide the best care for patients, we need to keep current with the evidence base
The Evidence Base can be
- Frail
- Dynamic
Frail
refers to the fact that medical knowledge can be incomplete, inconsistent, or subject to change as new research emerges.
Dynamic
it signifies that the field of medicine is always progressing, with new findings, treatments, and guidelines continually emerging.
Steps in Practicing EBM
- identify a good question
- find relevant literature
- critically evaluate data
- synthesize and apply to patients
- recognize gaps and design solutions
