Lecture 1: Overview Of Epi Flashcards
What is the significance of John Snow?
Father of epidemiology
Broad St. Pump
What is the impact of healthcare vs epidemiology?
One patient at a time vs whole populations at a time
Define epidemiology
A public health basic science which studies the distribution of disease and the determinants of disease and health related events
In specific populations —> to control disease/illness and promote public health = global health
The ultimate goal of epidemiology
Take our learnings and collaborate with other health departments to improve public health = global health
Can there be sub-specialties of epidemiology?
Yes, just like in healthcare By disease By exposure By population Or in combination
Who employs epidemiologists?
Government —-> city
Academia
Research
Industry
What are the six objectives/activities of epidemiology?
Surveillance Determine extent of disease Study natural course of disease Find causes Evaluate the effectiveness of preventative measures Assist in developing policies
Assumptions that must be made
Disease is not random - it is explainable why someone gets a disease
Systematic investigations can find find causes and preventative factors
Making comparisons is the cornerstone of disease assessment
Descriptive epi
Who-where-when
Person-place-time
Give examples of determinants (of disease)
Rick factors and causes of disease
Give examples of distribution (of disease)
Frequencies/counts and patterns of disease
Distribution is associated with what type of epi
Descriptive epi
3 W’s
Determinants of disease is associated with what type of epi
Analytical epi
Why and how
Name the 6 core functions of epi
- Surveillance
- Field investigation
- Analytic studies
- Evaluation
- Linkages
- Policy development
Define surveillance
Monitoring the pulse of the community
