Field Epidemiology

by Gregg, Michael B.

• ISBN13: 9780195142594
• ISBN10: 0195142594
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780195072075, 9780195313802
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-03-28
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

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 non-infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 healthcare, day-care, and international settings; and the legal aspects of field studies. An entire chapter covers the proper collection, handling, and testing of infectious and non-infectious 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 and local 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 reference to use in virtually any field investigation setting.

Table of Contents

Contributors	xvii
I. BACKGROUND
Field Epidemiology Defined	3	(5)
Richard A. Goodman
James W. Buehler
A Brief Review of the Basic Principles of Epidemiology	8	(18)
Richard C. Dicker
Suveillance	26	(27)
Stephen B. Thacker
Guthrie S. Birkhead
II. THE FIELD INVESTIGATION
Operational Aspects of Epidemiologic Field Investigations	53	(9)
Richard A. Goodman
Michael B. Gregg
Jeffrey J. Sacks
Conducting a Field Investigation	62	(16)
Michael B. Gregg
Describing the Findings	78	(39)
Robert E. Fontaine
Richard A. Goodman
Designing Studies in the Field	117	(15)
Richard C. Dicker
Analyzing and Interpreting Data	132	(41)
Richard C. Dicker
Developing Interventions	173	(10)
Richard A. Goodman
James W. Buehler
Jeffrey P. Koplan
Duc J. Vugia
Communicating Epidemiologic Findings	183	(13)
Michael B. Gregg
Surveys and Sampling	196	(21)
Joan M. Herold
J. Virgil Peavy
Using a Computer for Field Investigations	217	(19)
Andrew G. Dean
Dealing with the Public and the Media	236	(19)
Bruce B. Dan
III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Legal Considerations in a Field Investigation	255	(13)
Verla S. Neslund
Investigations in Health-Care Settings	268	(22)
William R. Jarvis
Stephanie Zaza
Investigations in Out-of Home Child Care Settings	290	(16)
Ralph L. Cordell
Margaret Swartz
Field Investigations of Occupational Disease and Injury	306	(18)
William E. Halperin
Field Investigations from the State and Local Health Department Perspective	324	(21)
Jeffrey P. Davis
Guthrie S, Birkhead
Epidemiologic Investigations in International Settings	345	(9)
Stanley O. Foster
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response: Issues for Public Health	354	(11)
Scott R. Lillibridge
Kristy Murray-Lillibridge
Field Investigations of Natural Disasters	365	(19)
Eric K. Noji
Michael B. Gregg
Laboratory Support for the Epidemiologist in the Field	384	(29)
Janet K. A. Nicholson
Elaine W. Gunter
Appendix A Walk-through Exercise	413	(22)
Michael B. Gregg
Index	435