scholarly journals Field epidemiology and COVID-19: always more lessons to be learned

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja A Rasmussen ◽  
Richard A Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Field Epidemiology

The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
The Public ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Toxic Agents ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
Multiple State ◽  
Prompt Action ◽  
Collection And Management

The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual is the definitive resource for the most up-to-date guidance for epidemiologists and other experts conducting field investigations to address acute public health concerns that require prompt action. This latest edition (an update of the 3rd edition of the popular book Field Epidemiology, edited by Dr. Michael Gregg) offers practical advice to guide investigators through the core elements of field investigations, beginning with initiating operations and ending with developing interventions and communicating findings to the public. The manual also provides special considerations to address challenges that often arise during field investigations, such as addressing legal issues, working with multiple state and federal agencies, navigating a multinational outbreak investigation, and working within an incident management structure. The manual includes updated information on using new tools for field investigations, such as the latest technologies for data collection and management and incorporating data from geographic information systems (GIS). Finally, the manual includes tips for investigations in a wide variety of settings, including healthcare and community congregate settings, and different types of outbreaks, including acute enteric disease outbreaks, those suspected to be related to intentional use of biologic and toxic agents, and outbreaks of suicide, violence, and other forms of injury. The manual is written primarily for epidemiologists who will be conducting field investigations in local, state, federal, or international settings. However, others who contribute to field investigations (e.g., laboratory scientists, lawyers, experts in public policy and communications) will also find the book to be an excellent source of information. The manual is written in an easily readable format, including boxes and bulleted points, to provide greater utility for investigators in the field.

Evaluation of a New Field Epidemiology Training Program Intermediate Course to Strengthen Public Health Workforce Capacity in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492097466
Author(s):  
Kate Wilson ◽  
Amir Juya ◽  
Ahmed Abade ◽  
Senga Sembuche ◽  
Devotha Leonard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Exit Interviews ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Health Threats ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Workforce Capacity ◽  
Field Epidemiology Training Program

Objectives Sub-Saharan Africa faces a shortage of skilled epidemiologists to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. Tanzania has implemented one of the first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Intermediate courses in Africa. This course aims to strengthen health workforce capacity in surveillance system assessment, outbreak investigation, and evaluation, prioritizing HIV control. We conducted an outcome evaluation of this new course. Methods We used a pre/post evaluation design using data from 4 cohorts of trainees who took the FETP Intermediate course from 2017 to 2020. We conducted knowledge assessments before and after each cohort and combined those results. Outcomes included knowledge and self-rated competency and trends in integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) data. We collected data through tests, field assignments, exit interviews, and data audits. We compared the mean change in pre-/posttest scores using linear regression and 95% CIs. We used content analysis to summarize exit interviews. Results Fifty-three FETP trainees from 10 regions enrolled in the FETP Intermediate course, and 52 (99.0%) completed the course. We found substantial increases in mean knowledge (44.0 to 68.0 points) and self-rated competency (4.14 to 4.43) scores before and after the course. Trainees evaluated 52 surveillance systems and 52 district HIV care programs, and 39 (75.0%) trainees participated in outbreak investigations. From before to after cohort 1, timeliness and completeness of IDSR reports increased from 4.2% to 52.1% and from 27.4% to 76.5%, respectively. Course strengths were quality of instruction, individualized mentoring, and practical skills gained. Challenges were mentor availability, limited time for data analysis practice, and balancing work and field assignments. Conclusions The Tanzania FETP Intermediate course substantially improved trainee knowledge and helped to improve local data quality and reporting. This course is a promising model to strengthen subnational capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats in Africa.

Developing capacity in field epidemiology in England

2014 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 297-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet McCulloch ◽  
Sam Bracebridge ◽  
Mary Thompson ◽  
Emily van de Venter ◽  
Isabel Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Field Epidemiology

scholarly journals Seventeen years of intervention epidemiology training at Veyrier-du-Lac, 1984-2000

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Malfait ◽  
B Helynck
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Increasing Demand

Early in the 1980s, those involved in public health held symposiums to assess the training of epidemiologists in France showed inadequacies in the teaching of field epidemiology. Hitherto epidemiology in France had been largely confined to research. Evolution of public health practice, with an increasing demand to base decisions on epidemiological data, made it necessary to develop a network of intervention epidemiologists trained to work with standardised methods.

scholarly journals Differences and Commonalities of National Field Epidemiology Training Programmes in Europe

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (43) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Krause ◽  
P Aavitsland ◽  
K Alpers ◽  
A Barrasa ◽  
V Bremer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Force ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
The Public ◽  
Infectious Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Communications Skills ◽  
Class Room ◽  
Training Programmes

From 1994 to 2009, national field epidemiology training programmes (FETP) have been installed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Norway. During their two year duration, different components of the FETP are devised as follows: 63-79 weeks are spent on projects in hosting institutes, 2-26 weeks in outside projects, 9-30 weeks in courses and modules, and 1-2 weeks in scientific conferences. A considerable proportion of the Spanish FETP has is provided conventional ‘class room training’. The content of the modules is very similar for all programmes. Except from the Italian programme, all focus on infectious disease epidemiology. The German and Norwegian programmes are so called EPIET-associated programmesas their participants are integrated in the modules and the supervision offered by EPIET, but salaries, facilitators, and training sites are provided by the national programme. These EPIET-associated programmes require strong communications skills in English. Alumni of all five FETP are generally working within the public health work force in their respective countries or at international level, many of them in leading functions. Although three new FETP have been installed since the last published ‘Euroroundup’ in Eurosurveillance on European FETP in 2001, the progress with respect to the establishment of national FETP or EPIET-associated programmes has been slow. Member States should be aware of how much support EPIET can offer for the establishment of national FETP or EPIET-associated programmes. However, they also need to be ready to provide the necessary resources, the administrative environment and long-term dedication to make field epidemiology training work.

scholarly journals Awareness and Preparedness of Field Epidemiology Training Program Graduates to Respond to COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/19047 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e19047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
Abdulwahed Al Serouri ◽  
Haitham Bashier ◽  
Shahd Osman
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Field Epidemiology Training Program

Background The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a 2-year training program in applied epidemiology. FETP graduates have contributed significantly to improvements in surveillance systems, control of infectious diseases, and outbreak investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Objective Considering the instrumental roles of FETP graduates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, this study aimed to assess their awareness and preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in three EMR countries. Methods An online survey was sent to FETP graduates in the EMR in March 2020. The FETP graduates were contacted by email and requested to fill out an online survey. Sufficient number of responses were received from only three countries—Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen. A few responses were received from other countries, and therefore, they were excluded from the analysis. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of the epidemiology of COVID-19, and preparedness to respond to COVID-19. Results This study included a total of 57 FETP graduates (20 from Jordan, 13 from Sudan, and 24 from Yemen). A total of 31 (54%) graduates had attended training on COVID-19, 29 (51%) were members of a rapid response team against COVID-19, and 54 (95%) had previous experience in response to disease outbreaks or health emergencies. The vast majority were aware of the main symptoms, mode of transmission, high-risk groups, and how to use personal protective equipment. A total of 46 (81%) respondents considered themselves well prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak, and 40 (70%) reported that they currently have a role in supporting the country’s efforts in the management of COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions The FETP graduates in Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen were fully aware of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the safety measures required, and they are well positioned to investigate and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, they should be properly and efficiently utilized by the Ministries of Health to investigate and respond to the current COVID-19 crisis where the needs are vastly growing and access to outside experts is becoming limited.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document