Background & Surveillance
This topic covers the fundamentals of epidemiology, including its history, its role in public health, and key concepts like the clinical vs. public health approaches. It also delves into the natural history of diseases and the importance of surveillance in identifying health problems.
Key Points
- Distinguish between the Clinical Approach (individual health) and the Public Health Approach (population health).
- Learn the history and development of epidemiology.
- Understand the roles of epidemiology in public health and the steps in solving health problems.
- Grasp the Natural History and Spectrum of Disease, including infectious and non-infectious causes.
- Define basic epidemiological terms (e.g., outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, surveillance, risk, vector).
- Understand the role and types of Surveillance in identifying health problems.