NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

NURS 8310/ NURS 8310F/ NURS 8310M/ NURS 8310A/ NURS 8310C: Epidemiology and Population Health | Week 1

Imagine walking out of your home to a chaotic scene of disaster relief personnel dressed in hazmat suits. Hollywood has long played upon fears of a catastrophic epidemic with movies such as Outbreak(1995) and Contagion (2011). In films such as these, the protagonist races to identify the origin of a fast-spreading disease, determine the potential course of the outbreak, and develop a method to control the spread of harm. Although these films are designed to entertain, they show how epidemiologic methods can be used to analyze and control a health event that has the potential to debilitate a large population. NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

 

It is important to note, however, that epidemiology relates to more than just acute outbreaks of illness; it addresses many chronic population health problems that nurses and health care professionals deal with every day, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This first week of the course introduces the principles of epidemiology, as well as how epidemiology is used to study and address population health problems. As a nurse engaged in advanced practice, it is essential that you understand these concepts and appreciate the importance of epidemiology.

This week, you will examine one of the great success stories of the application of epidemiology to improve population health: the eradication of smallpox. You use this historic example to explore current population health problems, and you will consider how epidemiologic principles can be applied to address them. Finally, you will begin to consider the cost effectiveness of addressing a health problem at the population level versus the individual level.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Apply principles of epidemiology to population health problems
• Evaluate cost effectiveness of population health care versus individual health care

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2014). Epidemiology for public health practice (5th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

• Chapter 1, “History and Scope of Epidemiology”
• Chapter 2, “Practical Applications of Epidemiology” (pages 49–80 only)Epidemiology is defined and introduced in Chapter 1. This chapter also presents an interesting historical overview that explains the emergence of the field. The assigned section of Chapter 2 addresses several uses of epidemiology.

Nash, D. B., Fabius, R. J., Skoufalos, A., Clarke, J. L. & Horowitz, M. R. (2016). Population health: Creating a culture of wellness (2nd ed). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

• • Building Cultures of Health and Wellness (xxvii)In the “Population Health Mandate” section of the course text, the authors provide an introduction to population health, noting that it has three core components: health outcomes, health determinants, and policies.

• • Chapter 2, “The Spectrum of Care”In Chapter 2, the authors examine the purposes of the population health approach. Two key themes are introduced in this chapter: 1) population health as it relates to the challenges of quality and cost in health care, and 2) population health as an approach to not only reducing the burden of chronic illness but also to promoting wellness and increasing prevention.

• Chapter 8, “Behavioral Economics”In Chapter 8, the authors examine effect of social and cognitive function on an individual’s economic decisions. Reinforced by legislation, behavioral economics can be applied in population health to influence and change health outcomes. Compelling examples of incremental improvements (e.g., corporate wellness programs) are provided throughout the chapter.

Larkin, H. (2010). Managing population health. Hospitals & Health Networks, 84(10), 28–32.

This article uses examples from a diabetes pilot program to demonstrate the value of population health management. The author discusses how the application of individual patient interventions can positively affect the entire target population, as well as improve the cost effectiveness of management programs.

Center for Global Development. (n.d.). Case 1: Eradicating smallpox. Retrieved March 5, 2012, from http://www.cgdev.org/doc/millions/MS_case_1.pdf

This reading presents the eradication of smallpox in the form of a case study. Many lessons can be learned from the successful global effort to eliminate smallpox.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) is a weekly epidemiological report distributed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide, according to the MMWR website, “timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations.” It is one of the most important sources of timely public health data published anywhere.

World Health Organization. (2001). Smallpox. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/smallpox/en/

The World Health Organization provides a succinct overview of the eradication of small pox and its impact on population health.

Note: Explore population health issues presented at the websites below as you prepare for this week’s Discussion and Assignment:

American Public Health Association. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.apha.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/index_en.htm

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/

Healthy People 2020. (2011). Global health. Retrieved from http://healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=16

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011). Public health focus. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/default.htm

Required Media – NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012). Epidemiology and population health: Introduction to epidemiology and population health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.

In this week’s program, “Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health,” Dr. Hull and Dr. Frerich introduce foundational concepts related to epidemiology, noting that this scientific arena focuses on the study of human populations rather than individuals.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012). Epidemiology and population health: Epidemiology in nursing practice [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

In “Epidemiology in Nursing Practice,” Dr. Rebecca Lee, Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron, and Dr. Missie Willmarth discuss how epidemiology is utilized in nursing practice and, in particular, why it is salient for DNP-prepared nurses.

Optional Resources

Long, D. A., & Sheehan, P. (2010). A case study of population health improvement at a Midwest regional hospital employer. Population Health Management, 13(3), 163–173.

Oudin, Åström D., Bertfil, F., & Joacim R. (2011). Heat wave impact on morbidity and mortality in the elderly population: A review of recent studies. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 69(2), 99–105.

Excite. (2004). An introduction to epidemiology. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/excite/classroom/intro_epi.htm

Discussion: Epidemiology and Population Health

Reflect on your nursing practice for a moment. If you could wipe out one illness, what would it be? How would that impact not just an individual patient, but your entire patient population? What would be the long-term benefits of eliminating that one illness?

The eradication of smallpox by 1979 provides an excellent example of this scenario. This eradication came about as a result of global collaborative efforts involving many countries and organizations, as well as the application of epidemiologic methods. In spite of high initial financial costs, it is estimated that millions of dollars continue to be saved around the world each year as a result of the eradication of this disease.

The eradication of smallpox illustrates the rich history of epidemiology and demonstrates the cost/benefits and implications of improving health at the population level. The application of epidemiologic methods and principles to other critical population health issues continues to play an essential role in improving health and health outcomes.

For this Discussion, you will identify a current population health problem, and you will examine how, and if, the problem is being addressed through the application of epidemiologic principles. You will also discuss the cost-effectiveness of dealing with the problem at the population level.

To prepare: NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

• Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the smallpox epidemic of the 1960s and 1970s and how health organizations applied principles of epidemiology to eradicate this disease.
• In light of this example, consider the cost effectiveness of addressing smallpox at the population level.
• Using the Learning Resources, research a current population health problem (local or global). Select one on which to focus for this Discussion.
• Think about how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address the problem.
• What lessons from the use of epidemiology in the eradication of smallpox might be applicable to this selected problem? What are the financial benefits of addressing this issue at the population level as opposed to the individual level?

By Day 3

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

• Briefly summarize your selected population health problem and describe how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address the problem.
• Are there any lessons learned from the use of epidemiology in the eradication of smallpox that can be applied to your selected problem?
• Evaluate the cost effectiveness of addressing this health problem at the population level versus the individual level.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

(Make sure that you respond to at least one colleague who selected a population health problem different than the one you selected.)

• Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence or research.
• Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
• Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
• Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
• Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence. NURS 8310 Week 1: Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health

Introduction

Epidemiology is a discipline that studies the relationship between diseases and their determinants. In this article, we’ll go over some of the basics of epidemiology so you can understand what it is and how it relates to your daily life. We’ll also discuss why studying epidemiology is important, especially if you’re interested in working with other people on health issues.

What is epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. Epidemiologists are concerned with the cause, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They also conduct surveys to investigate public health issues such as diet, nutrition and physical activity levels. These activities are vital to understanding how disease patterns vary across age groups within a society such as New Zealanders who may have different lifestyles depending on their gender (women tend not to exercise as much), culture (Maori) etc., so it’s important they understand those differences so they can make appropriate recommendations for health promotion programmes targeted at these groups effectively.”

Why study epidemiology?

Why study epidemiology?

One of the most important reasons to study epidemiology is because it helps us understand how diseases are spread and what factors contribute to their transmission. Epidemiologists investigate patterns in disease occurrence, as well as risk factors for developing certain diseases. They use mathematical models and statistical techniques in their research, and often collaborate with other scientists who specialize in other fields such as biostatistics or population health management.

Why study population health?

Population health refers to the overall state of an entire population—the amount of good health versus poor health (or ill-health). Population health concerns include things such as birth rates, death rates, fertility rates; diet; nutrition; physical activity levels; mental health status; sanitation standards etc., which all play important roles in shaping both individual lives & communities around us!

Epidemiology and Population Health

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states in specified populations. Population health, on the other hand, refers to “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” (WHO). These two terms are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings when it comes to epidemiology:

• Epidemiology focuses on studying how diseases spread through a population over time. It can also be used as an umbrella term for other types of studies such as biostatistics or biometrics

• Population health focuses on assessing all aspects related to improving quality of life within a specific geographic area (e.g., city)

The Historic Foundations of Epidemiology

Epidemiology is a science that studies the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this knowledge to control health problems. Epidemiologists are concerned with understanding how diseases spread through populations, which factors influence their spread, and how they might be prevented or controlled. The term “epidemiology” was first used by Hippocrates (c. 460–377 BCE), who studied disease causation using observation rather than laboratory testing.

The foundations of epidemiology can be traced back thousands of years ago—to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome—where early scholars looked at data on living conditions such as diet, lifestyle patterns and weather patterns to understand what types of lifestyle might affect public health outcomes over time; this led them toward developing theories about disease transmission based on their observations about human behavior patterns within certain environments (e.g., urban versus rural).

The Current State of Epidemiology

Epidemiology is a multidisciplinary field that uses a variety of methods to collect and analyze data. Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of disease in populations, with an emphasis on causal relationships. They use descriptive statistics, experimental design, mathematical models, biostatistics and other quantitative methods to examine patterns across time or space that may indicate health problems or risk factors for disease.

Epidemiologists serve as key partners in public health programs by helping governments determine how diseases affect their populations; designing strategies for prevention; evaluating programs aimed at preventing disease; measuring outcomes from these programs so they can measure success; helping communities understand how they could prevent future epidemics through better understanding what drives them (e.g., stress).

What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease. It’s an important tool for public health policy because it helps us understand how diseases spread, who they affect and why. Epidemiologists look at data such as mortality rates, birth rates, survival rates, risk factors (things that increase your chances of getting sick), exposures (like smoking) and other important factors to see if they can predict when certain kinds of diseases will occur in a community or population.

Epidemiologists do this by using statistics—statistics are numbers that describe things like average height or weight—and applying them to real-world situations where you see changes over time over multiple years. For example: In 2010 there were 101 people who died from heart disease; three years later there were 111 deaths due to this same condition; but then again in 2014 there were only 108 deaths due to heart disease because we know more about prevention now than before!

– Importance of the Question

The right question is important because it can help you make a more informed decision. When you’re asking the right questions, you’ll be able to bring together the information that’s already available and identify gaps in your knowledge.

If you have any specific questions about population health, here are some examples:

• What is the relationship between smoking and lung cancer?

• How many people in my area smoke cigarettes?

• What factors increase risk for smoking-related diseases?

– Epidemiologic Study Design

The three most common types of epidemiologic studies are:

• Case-control studies – The cases are all patients who have been diagnosed with a disease, while the controls are people who have not been diagnosed with that disease. This type of study is useful when you want to determine whether there is a relationship between something and another thing (for example, if smoking causes lung cancer).

• Cohort (follow-up) studies – In this type of research method, people who have never been diagnosed with an illness are followed over time to see how they develop diseases like heart attack or diabetes. It’s also useful for tracking how long it takes for certain medical conditions to appear after someone has had them before (known as latency periods). For example, people who smoke may be more likely than others not only because they know what smoking does but also because somehow their bodies react differently from those without exposure!

– Observational Studies

Observational studies are the most common type of epidemiologic study. They can be retrospective or prospective and descriptive or analytical. Retrospective observational studies are done without intervention and therefore may include only one point in time, such as a study that looks at mortality rates among people who died within a certain time period (e.g., 12 months). Prospective observational studies, on the other hand, have been designed to follow individuals over time with interventions being performed as needed; these types of studies may include multiple points in time when interventions were performed such as annual physical exams along with nutrition counseling sessions between visits according to personal needs identified during screening tests (e.g., blood pressure).

– Interventional Studies

• Interventional studies are designed to test the effects of a specific treatment or intervention on disease or health outcomes.

• Observational studies are observational, meaning that they do not involve any interventions. They can be descriptive and descriptive epidemiological studies, which simply describe patterns in data (for example, trends over time) without controlling for other factors that may affect those patterns; ecological studies; and cohort studies. Cohort studies follow groups of people over time as they live through their lives and make decisions about their health care needs based on what they learn from observing others who have similar characteristics to themselves. Ecological or environmental epidemiology investigates how environmental factors influence disease occurrence within individuals by measuring changes in social conditions over time

– Determinants of Health and Disease

The social, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health are often called “disease prevention.” These factors can be divided into four categories:

• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) – These include factors such as education level, occupation and income level that affect health outcomes. For example, people with higher levels of education are more likely to have access to healthcare services than those who are less educated.

• Environmental Determinants of Health (EDOH) – This includes physical environments in which people live such as clean water supply or air quality; it also includes policies concerning limited resources like food availability or housing conditions that may contribute to poor health outcomes among certain groups within society.

• Behavioral Determinants Of Health (BDOH) – Finally we have behavioral factors such as smoking behavior which may lead individuals into risky behaviors like drinking alcohol excessively which then leads them down a path toward developing diseases later on in life due simply because they were exposed at an early age when their bodies weren’t fully developed yet so therefore could potentially get infected much easier than someone who wasn’t exposed until later on down the road when he/she already had fully developed immunity against whatever disease was being transmitted through contaminated water sources etcetera…

Conclusion

The field of epidemiology has never been more important or influential than it is today. Epidemiologists are key players in the fight against disease, and they have a lot to offer to all of us who want to live healthy lives. Epidemiologists study the causes of disease and develop ways to prevent them. They work closely with public health officials, helping them track down outbreaks before they spread too far. Getting an education in epidemiology can be an exciting opportunity for you!