Recognizing an Outbreak (I is for Investigation, Session 1)
Fee: none
Length: 35 minutes
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This presentation developed by Sarah E. Pfau, MPH and Kim Brunette, MPH and recorded by Jennifer A. Horney, MPH gives you an overview of the basic steps of an outbreak investigation, with a focus on case definition, case finding, verification of diagnosis, and orienting case-patient data by person, place, and time.
Target Audience
These learning modules are applicable to all public health, medical, veterinary, pharmacy, emergency management, hospital and other professionals interested in public health preparedness. These modules are created by faculty and guest lecturers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Educational Objectives
- Identify steps of an outbreak investigation
- Develop and use a case definition
- Apply the process of case finding in an outbreak
- Identify methods used to orient data by person, place, and time
- Develop and interpret epidemic curves
Competencies Addressed
This training addresses selected applied epidemiology, core public health, and public health preparedness and response competencies as noted below. (Please note: The following training does not provide comprehensive or in-depth treatment of specified competencies, it provides basic knowledge of the competencies listed below.)
| Applied Epidemiology Competencies Tier 1 |
| Characterize investigative processes (I.C.3) |
| Assist in design of investigation (e.g.,disease investigations, studies, or screening programs) (I.C.5) |
| Applied Epidemiology Competencies Tier 2 |
| Select investigative processes (I.C.3) |
| Assist in design of investigation (e.g., disease investigations, studies, or screening programs) (I.C.5) |
| Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals |
| 4) Uses methods and instruments for collecting valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data (1: Analytic/Assessment Skills) |
| Public Health Preparedness & Response Core Competencies |
| 2.5. Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol. |
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1992). Principles of Epidemiology, 2nd ed. Atlanta, GA: Public Health Practice Program Office.
FOCUS Workgroup. An Overview of Outbreak Investigations. FOCUS on Field Epidemiology (1):1.
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/focus/issuelist.htm
FOCUS Workgroup. Anatomy and Physiology of an Outbreak Investigation Team. FOCUS on Field Epidemiology (1):2.
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/focus/issuelist.htm
Hall, J.A., et al. Epidemiologic profiling: evaluating foodborne outbreaks for which no pathogen was isolated by routine laboratory testing: United States, 1982-9. Epidemiol Infect. 2001;127:381-7
Nelson, A. Embarking on an Outbreak Investigation. FOCUS on Field Epidemiology (1):3.
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/focus/issuelist.htm
The UNC Center for Public Health Preparedness. Outbreak Investigation Training website:
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/training/all_trainings/at_outbreak.htm
Torok, M. Case Finding and Line Listing: A Guide for Investigators FOCUS on Field Epidemiology (1):4.
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/focus/issuelist.htm
Torok, M. Epidemic Curves. FOCUS on Field Epidemiology (1):5.
http://cphp.sph.unc.edu/focus/issuelist.htm
Authors:
Narrator:
Reviewer:
Jennifer Horney, MPH
The author(s) and reviewer(s) of this training have no personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation to disclose.
Continuing Education Credit:
The UNC Center for Public Health Preparedness offers the following continuing education credit/s on this training. Eligibility for all continuing education credit is determined on an annual basis.
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist Continuing Education Hours
Approved for continuing education through the North Carolina State Board of Environmental Health Specialists Examiners.
Reviewer: The North Carolina State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners Contact Hours: 1.00 based on instructional time spent on training and evaluation activities.
To get FREE Continuing Education Credits:
If you would like to receive FREE Continuing Education Credit/s for completing this training, please follow the steps below. You may only apply for one credit type.
You must complete each step in the order listed below to receive continuing education credit for this training.
- Read over all the training information on this page, including the Educational Objectives and References.
- Login to access the training. Please note that new users will first have to register to create a Training Web Site ID and Password. See To Access This Training instructions below.
- Complete the training pre-test.
- Complete the training activity as instructed.
- Complete the training post-test.
- Complete the training evaluation form.
- Save and/or print your certificate of completion for this training.
If you cannot complete the training in a single setting, you will be able to return to this training and resume where you left off. Please note that partially completed pre-tests, post-tests, and evaluations will need to be resumed from the beginning.
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Disclaimer/Disclosure
To Access and Complete This Training:
To register for a login and password, click on the Registration Form link. If you have already registered, click on our Already Registered link. If you are returning to this training, please click the Resume Training link. Please read over the information on this page first.