Steps of an Outbreak Investigation Flashcards
Steps of an Systematic outbreak Investigation
- Preparation
- Descriptive Epidemiolgy
- Analysis
- Implementation of Measures
Preparation Steps
- prepare for field work
- establish the existence of an outbreak
- verify the diagnosis
Descriptive Epidemiology steps
- construct a working case definition
- find cases systematically and record them
- Perform descriptive epidemiolgy
- develop a hypothesis
Analysis Steps
- Evaluate hpothesis Epidemiologically
- Reconsider Refine and Re-evaluate Hypothesis
- Comapre and Reconcile with Laboratory and/or Environmental Studies
Implementation of Measures
- Implement Control and Prevention Measures
- Initiate or Maintain surveillance
- Communicate Findings
2 types of Field Work
A. Scientific and Investigatice issues
B. Management and Operationsl
but you need both
Scientific and Investigative Issues
- learn about the disease at hand
- know what you need to do the job, and how to protect yourself
- plan the action and objectives
The Team in Management and Operational Issues
WHho will do what? Who are your local contacts? The team should know their expected roles and responsibility in the field.
Management and Operational Issues
- The team
- Who to Involve
- Communication
- Operational/logistical details
Who to involve in Management and Operational Issues
the number of involved agencies and depending to their speciality
Communications in Management and Operational Issues
communication quickly and effectively with elected officials and the public.
Operational/Logistical Details in Management and Operational Issues
Arrange to bring the apropriate supplies, and managing travel, lodgings etc.
Outbreak
the occurrence of more cases of disease than expected in a given area or a specific group of people over a particular period of time
Cluster
a group of cases in a given area over a particular period without regard to whether the number of cases is more than expected
Establish the Existence of an Outbreak
verify that a cluster in indeed an outbreak
- ## can exceed expected numbers, may not necessarily indicate an outbreak
Verify the Diagnosis
needed to rule out lab errors
Steps:
1. review clinical findings and laboratory results
2. talk with patients
3. summarize are clinical features equal to diagnosis
Case Definition
a standard set of criteria for deciding whether an individual should be classified as hacing the health condition of interest
includes criteria, restrictions by time, place and person in outbreak investigation
DOES NOT INCLUDE THE EXPOSURE OR RISK FACTOR BEING EVALUATED
confirmed case
laboratory verification
probable case
has typical clinical features of the disease without lab confirmation
possible case
has fewer of the typical clinical features
Find Cases Systematically and Record Info
first- healthcare practitioners and facilities
info about each case:
- Indentifying information
- demographic info
- clinical information
- risk fator (tailored to disease being investigated)
- reporter information
Passive Surveillance
sending a letter describing the situation and asling for reports of similar cases, no active search
active surveillance
telephoning or visitng the facilities to collect information ony any additional cases. Usually more sensitive and much more detailed
Perform Descriptive Epidemiology
helps become familiar with data, enbling to indetify and correct errors and missing values
a lot of summarizing what is known
Develop Hypotheses
can address, the srouce of the agent, the mode (and vehicle or vector) of transmission, and the exposures that caused the disease
should be testable
Evaluate Hypothesis Epidemiologically is done in one of two ways…
- compare to the established facts
- using analytic epidemiology to quantify relationships and assess the role of change
Communicate findings are usually done in one of 2 ways.
oral breifing to local autorities and a written report
