Field Epidemiology

This unique guidebook covers all aspects of practical field epidemiologic investigation. It explains the requirements, defines terms, and illustrates many examples of how to undertake the tasks of the public health epidemiologist during a field investigation. Unlike other texts of its kind, it breaks down each function of field epidemiology to its constituent parts and thoroughly answers questions related to them. Topics include: public health surveillance; qualifying a potential outbreak; assembling and equipping a team; hypothesis generation and descriptive epidemiology; epidemiological studies; hypothesis-testing interviews; data analysis; writing a report; public health laboratory’s role in field; environmental health components; investigating non-infectious health events; forensic epidemiology investigations; GIS; and special considerations. The text is accompanied by a complete package of instructor resources including Sample Syllabus, Instructor's Manual, TestBank, and PowerPoint slides.

Field epidemiology involves the application of epidemiologic methods to unexpected health problems when a rapid on-site investigation is necessary for timely intervention. Based on decades of experience in both infectious and noninfectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, this book describes in simple and practical terms the distinct approach, tasks, and actions needed for successful field investigations. Guidance is given on such issues as how to perform surveillance, manage and execute field investigations, collect and analyze data, perform surveys,adapt a personal computer for field use, and communicate the findings. Specific advice is also given on such subjects as dealing with the media; investigations in health care, day care, and international settings; and the legal aspects of field studies. An entire chapter covers the propercollection, handling, and testing of infectious and noninfectious agents in the field. In the Second Edition, four new chapters cover many unique aspects of field studies in the workplace, after natural disasters, in preparation for and response to possible bioterrorist attacks, and by state andlocal health departments. Finally, an appendix describes how to investigate a common source food-borne epidemic. This text gives public health professionals and students a practical and complete refernece to use in virtually any field investigation setting.

A NEW AND ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR THE PRACTICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual is a definitive guide to investigating acute public health events on the ground and in real time. Assembled and written by experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other leading public health agencies, it offers current and field-tested guidance for every stage of an outbreak investigation -- from identification to intervention and other core considerations along the way. Modeled after Michael Gregg's seminal book Field Epidemiology, this CDC manual ushers investigators through the core elements of field work, including many of the challenges inherent to outbreaks: working with multiple state and federal agencies or multinational organizations; legal considerations; and effective utilization of an incident-management approach. Additional coverage includes: · Updated guidance for new tools in field investigations, including the latest technologies for data collection and incorporating data from geographic information systems (GIS) · Tips for investigations in unique settings, including healthcare and community-congregate sites · Advice for responding to different types of outbreaks, including acute enteric disease; suspected biologic or toxic agents; and outbreaks of violence, suicide, and other forms of injury For the ever-changing public health landscape, The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual offers a new, authoritative resource for effective outbreak response to acute and emerging threats. *** Oxford University Press will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's critical health protection work. To learn more about the CDC Foundation, visit www.cdcfoundation.org.

This collection of case studies—some never before published—uncover the details of actual disease outbreaks from within the United States and around the world. At the conclusion of each chapter, the investigator reviews the methods and processes that were employed to execute the investigation. Ideal as a complement to any text on infectious disease epidemiology, these case studies will bring to life the classic functions of field epidemiology and the application of epidemiological methods to unexpected health problems that require fast, on-site investigation and timely intervention. The cases cover investigations in infectious and non-infectious disease outbreaks, as well as environmental health related disease outbreaks.

Applies traditional epideiologic methods for determining disease etiology to the real-life applications of public health and health services research. This text contains a chapter on the development and use of systematic reviews and one on epidemiology and the law.

Intended as an introduction for veterinarians and other animal health professionals interested in and wishing to apply epidemiological methods in their day-to-day work, this book provides a practical guide for those new to the field. Its applied focus covers the principles of epidemiology in real world situations and practical implementation of disease outbreak investigation, for both emerging and endemic diseases. Techniques and methods are discussed, supported by case studies and practical examples to illustrate their application. The book is clearly written and accessible, providing readers with practical information and encouraging the development of problem-solving skills. It is an essential handbook for veterinary surgeons and students and those involved in animal health, food safety and epidemiology.

"IEA, International Epidemiological Association, Welcome Trust."

The new edition of this popular textbook remains a clear and practical introduction to epidemiology for students in all areas of health. By emphasising the role of epidemiology across a broad range of health monitoring and research, it gives students an understanding of the fundamental principles common to all areas of epidemiology. It also integrates the study of infectious and chronic diseases as well as public health and clinical epidemiology. Avoiding complex mathematics, it steps through the methods and potential problems underlying health data and reports, while maintaining a balance of rigour and clarity. The nuts-and-bolts of epidemiology are embedded in the wider international health perspective through recent and classical examples across different areas of health to engage students from a range of backgrounds. Concepts are illustrated with charts and graphs, and end-of-chapter questions test understanding (with answers provided). Online resources include further exercises, slides for teaching and useful weblinks.