Field Epidemiology

by Gregg, Michael B.; Dicker, Richard C.; Goodman, Richard A.

• ISBN13: 9780195072075
• ISBN10: 0195072073
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780195142594
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1996-01-04
• 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 investigation epidemics of both infectious and non-infectious diseases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this book describes in simple and practical terms the distinct approach, tasks and actions needed for successful epidemiologic field investigations. For the first time in a single text, guidance is given on such issues as how to perform surveillance, manage and execute the investigation of an epidemic in the field, collect and analyze data, perform surveys and sampling, adapt a personal computer for field use, and communicate the findings. Further information and advice are provided in such areas as responding to interviews by the news media, carrying out investigations in hospitals, day-care and international settings, and the legal aspects of field studies. Finally, an entire chapter is devoted to the proper collection and handling of both infectious and non-infectious agents in the field, including current laboratory testing, procedures for most infectious agents. This textbook gives public health professionals and students of epidemiology a ready, practical, and complete reference to use in virtually any field investigation setting.

Table of Contents

Contributors	xi
I BACKGROUND
Field Epidemiology Defined	3	(6)
Richard A. Goodman
James W. Buehler
A Brief Review of Basic Principles of Epidemiology	9	(7)
Carl W. Tyler, Jr.
Surveillance	16	(19)
Stephen B. Thacker
II THE FIELD INVESTIGATION
Operational Aspects of Epidemiologic Investigations	35	(9)
Richard A. Goodman
Michael B. Gregg
Robert A. Gunn
Jeffrey J. Sacks
Conducting a Field Investigation	44	(16)
Michael B. Gregg
Describing Epidemiologic Data	60	(21)
Richard A. Goodman
J. Virgil Peavy
Designing Studies in the Field	81	(11)
James W. Buehler
Richard C. Dicker
Analyzing and Interpreting Data	92	(40)
Richard C. Dicker
Developing Interventions	132	(7)
Richard A. Goodman
James W. Buehler
Jeffrey P. Koplan
Communicating Epidemiologic Findings	139	(13)
Michael B. Gregg
Surveys and Sampling	152	(12)
J. Virgil Peavy
Using a Microcomputer for Field Investigations	164	(17)
Andrew G. Dean
Dealing with the Public and the Media	181	(16)
Bruce B. Dan
III SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Legal Considerations in a Field Investigation	197	(11)
Verla J. Neslund
Investigations in Health Care Facilities	208	(19)
Stephanie Zaza
William R. Jarvis
Investigations in Child Care Facilities	227	(12)
Jacquelyn A. Polder
Janet Mohle-Boetani
Epidemiologic Investigations in International Settings	239	(7)
Stanley O. Foster
Laboratory Support for the Epidemiologist in the Field	246	(23)
Index	269