Week 1 - Introduction to Epidemiology

Question 1

What are the effects of clinical decisions on other patients?

Answer 1

1. Medical resources are scarce and have to be rationed.

Question 2

Why is it necessary to know the extent of medical problems in the population?

Answer 2

1. To plan health services to meet needs.
2. Prioritising services based on a knowledge of which diseases are most common or have the most serious health consequences

Question 3

Why are critical appraisal skills important?

Answer 3

1. Medical and surgical interventions should be tested and proven to work before being introduced.
2. Need to distinguish good from bad evidence to provide the best possible care for patients

Question 4

Why is there a need for a perspective beyond that of the individual patient who presents to a doctor?

Answer 4

1. To investigate causes of disease
2. Evaluate preventative or curative interventions
3. Not possible to treat any patients without indirect effects on other patients
4. Not possible to plan health services sensibly without knowing the extent of health problems in the community