What is the task of epidemiology?
Two essential concepts of epidemiology are population and comparison. Core epidemiologic tasks of a public health epidemiologist include public health surveillance, field investigation, research, evaluation, and policy development.
Why is epidemiology useful?
Epidemiology identifies the distribution of diseases, factors underlying their source and cause, and methods for their control; this requires an understanding of how political, social and scientific factors intersect to exacerbate disease risk, which makes epidemiology a unique science.
What is the most important thing an epidemiologist does?
Epidemiologists study outbreaks of diseases, the causes, locations, and how various communities are affected, utilizing relative information to aid in the prevention of future outbreaks. Epidemiologists help to keep the public informed of methods to maintain and improve public health.
Is an epidemiologist a doctor?
Are epidemiologists considered medical doctors? No. While epidemiologists study and investigate the causes and sources of diseases in much the same way as medical doctors, they’re not considered actual physicians.
What are the major types of epidemiology studies?
Epidemiological studies generally fall into four broad categories:
- cross-sectional studies.
- case-control studies.
- cohort studies.
- intervention studies.
What is the best study design?
Hierarchy of Evidence
| Clinical question | Suggested best study design |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | prospective, blind comparison to a gold standard |
| Therapy | RCT > cohort > case control > case series |
| Prevention | RCT > cohort study > case control > case series |
| Prognosis | cohort study > case control > case series |
What is epidemiological study design?
In epidemiology, researchers are interested in measuring or assessing the relationship of exposure with a disease or an outcome. As a first step, they define the hypothesis based on the research question and then decide which study design will be best suited to answer that question.
What are the 3 types of studies?
The main types of studies are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies and qualitative studies.
What is pilot study?
A pilot study, pilot project, pilot test, or pilot experiment is a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, duration, cost, adverse events, and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project.
What are long term studies called?
A longitudinal study is a type of correlational research study that involves looking at variables over an extended period of time. This research can take place over a period of weeks, months, or even years. In some cases, longitudinal studies can last several decades.