Field Epidemiology 101: Outbreak Investigation Training Project

Goal:
Provide state-wide access to training in basic epidemiological concepts applied to outbreak investigation

Target Audience :
Front-line public health nurses and environmental health staff

Training Project includes:
Online prerequisite - Field Epidemiology
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
• 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.

Field Epi 101: Outbreak Investigation (Lead instructor – Stan Kondracki) - Live one-day, face to face workshop.
Training is followed by 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
• identify and implement immediate control measures to prevent further transmission and revise the control measures as the investigation continues

If your local health department would like to conduct one of these trainings please contact Dawn Bleyenburg at 518-402-0339.