Basic Field Epidemiology Training Project
The University at Albany School of Public Health's Center for Public Health Continuing Education has received funding from the NYSDOH and DOL in a two-year project ending December 2011.
Target Audience: Front-line public health nurses and environmental health staff
Goal: Provide state-wide access to training in basic epidemiological concepts applied to outbreak investigation
Training Plan:
(UACPHP - 206 Field Epidemiology) On-line prerequisite:
A short self-study module that introduces/reviews basic applied epidemiology vocabulary and concepts. After completing this prerequisite, students will be able to: define epidemiology; describe the purpose and use of epidemiology; apply the basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology; apply principles of the host/agent/environment model to disease causation, prevention and control; define a case definition; define population-based data; calculate general and specific types of rates, including age-specific, cause-specific, and sex-specific rates; use variance measures and confidence limits to interpret variability; and recognize key sources of epidemiological data. Participants go at their own pace – those with stronger backgrounds and experience can complete the exercises in less than an hour. Those with less experience will need 2-3 hours.
Purpose: Prerequisite helps assure that participants in instructor-led training are at approximately the same level. Prerequisite is available 24/7 and can be referred to any time before or after the training. Students may print out resource references.
(UASPH - Epi 101) Field Epi 101: Outbreak Investigation (Lead instructor – Stan Kondracki)
Live one-day regional workshop that entails practical application of principles to actual or simulated case files. This regional training will be conducted on-site at local health departments or in regional settings. After completing Field Epi 101, students will be able to: identify and list the steps and processes in an outbreak investigation; identify the different types of epidemic curves; define sensitivity and specificity; develop a hypothesis to explain the risk factors contributing to the outbreak; test the hypothesis using standard epi methods; identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local surveillance system; determine the magnitude of the outbreak; understand the role of county, state and federal health reps in collaborating in the outbreak investigation; understand their individual role as part of the outbreak team; and identify and implement immediate control measures to prevent further transmission and revise the control measures as the investigation continues.
Questions/More Information: 518-402-0330
Dawn Bleyenburg, Assistant Director, Field Epi Project Coordinator dbleyenburg@uamail.albany.edu