Lecture 1A part 2 Flashcards
Definition of populations
Concerned with the collective health of the people in a community or area
Focus is not on the health of an individual
Definition of application
Not just a theoretical science, provides data for directing PH action
What is the role of epidemiology?
Considered the basic science of PH (and preventive medicine)
What type of science is epidemiology?
Quantitative science built on working knowledge of probability, stats, and sound research methods
What type of method is used in epidemiology?
Method of causal reasoning based on developing and testing hypotheses pertaining to the occurrence and prevention of morbidity and mortality
How is epidemiology a tool for PH action?
It promotes and protects the public’s health based on science, causal reasoning, and common sense
What are the goals of epidemiology?
To better understand the burden of dz in human pops
To ID the causes and sources of dz
To make changes that decrease risk and improve health
What are the assumptions of epidemiology?
Dz does not occur at random
Dz has causal and preventive factors that can be ID’ed through systematic investigation
What are the types of epidemiology?
Applied epidemiology
Research epidemiology
What is applied epidemiology?
Application or practice of epidemiology to address PH issues
What are the two kinds of applied epidemiologists?
Clinical
Field
Role of clinical epidemiologists
Work primarily in consulting roles at hospitals or other HC orgs, informing medical staff of infectious OBs and providing containment solutions
Role of field epidemiologists
Work primarily on the “front lines” investigating OBs at the local level, often employed by gov’t entities
Role of research epidemiology
Conduct research in an effort to eradicate or control dzs, or understand causes of dz
Where do research epidemiologists work?
Universities
Medical schools
Research firms
Gov’t agencies
Pharmaceutical companies
