Lecture 4, part 4 Flashcards
What is an epidemic curve?
Special type of histogram used to depict the time course of an epidemic
Purpose of an epidemic curve
Provides a simple visual display of the OB
Graph the number of cases by date or time of onset of illness
Yields info on the magnitude, time trend, and outliers
-Shape of the curve may provide clues about the pattern of spread in the pop
Definition of outbreak management/control
The process of anticipating, preventing, preparing for, detecting, responding, and controlling outbreaks in order to minimize the health and economic impacts
How soon should control and/or prevention measures for OBs be implemented?
As early as possible
What should control and/or prevention measures be aimed at?
Interrupting transmission or exposure
What are control methods for OBs?
Isolation
Quarantine
Contact tracing
Environmental
Reduce susceptibility
Education
Policy/regulations
Definition of screening
The application of a medical procedure or tests to ppl who as yet have no sx of a particular dz (early detection and intervention)
Reasons for screening
To classify asymptomatic ppl as likely or unlikely to have dz (not a definitive dx)
To reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to that dz (secondary prevention)
To prevent transmission of an infectious dz (primary prevention)
What steps in the natural hx of dz are primary prevention?
Dz free
What steps in the natural hx of dz are secondary prevention?
Pathological onset
What steps in the natural hx of dz are tertiary prevention?
Remission
Relapse
Death
What steps in the natural hx of dz are the preclinical stage?
Pathological onset
Clinical sx
What steps in the natural hx of dz are the clinical stage?
Clinical sx
Remission
Relapse
Death
Definition of primary prevention
Actions to maintain health through individual or community efforts so that the dz process never starts (prevent dz from ever occurring)
Exs of primary prevention
Vaccinations
Promoting healthy lifestyles (diet, exercise, sunscreen use, not smoking, etc)
Promoting safe environments
Gov’t policies (ex: taxes, bans, warning labels)
Definition of secondary prevention?
Actions to delay the onset of the symptomatic or clinical phase of the dz
What is the purpose of secondary prevention?
Delay onset of clinical dz
Reduce the severity of clinical dz
Reduce sequelae
Improve survival or quality of life
What is the assumption of secondary prevention?
Early detection will lead to prompt and effective interventions that in turn decreases adverse effects and increases survival
Exs of secondary prevention
Screening for CAs
Screening for infections such as HIV and hepatitis
Definition of tertiary prevention
Actions to slow or block the progression of dz, thereby reducing impairments and disabilities, and improving the quality of life and survival among dz-ed individuals
What may tertiary prevention include?
Prompt tx or management
Proper f/u
Surgical procedures
Pt education
Rehabilitation
Exs of tertiary prevention
DM management
HIV
How does secondary prevention work?
Sort out apparently well persons who probably have a dz from those who probably do not
Ppl who appear likely to have the dz are evaluated further to distinguish actual dz
Suitable dzs for screening
Serious dz with severe consequences
Has a detectable preclinical phase that is prevalent and fairly long
Lead time results in more effective interventions
Definition of detectable pre-clinical phase
Interval of time btwn the point at which the dz can be detected by screening and the point at which the individual becomes symptomatic and seeks medical attention
