Module 1 – SLP
INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY: THE EPIDEMIOLOGIC APPROACH
For your Session Long Project, you will conduct an epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7. The grade for the SLP is based on the depth of your work and your ability to analyze the information and generate hypotheses about the source of the outbreak and mode of transmission. This means that the student is focusing on those factors of importance to disease transmission, control, and prevention. A public health perspective will be advanced within the assignment.
Read Outbreak Detection
Task 1 for this modular component
Please answer these questions
- What could account for the increase in cases?
- Compare the DNA fingerprints in Figure 2 from seven of the E. coli O157:H7 cases. Each isolate has its own vertical lane (i.e., column). Controls appear in lanes #1, 5, and 10. Which isolates appear similar? In your opinion was DNA typing necessary in this case? Why?
Task 2 for this modular component
A Multi-state Outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7
Read Descriptive Epidemiology and Hypothesis Generation
Please answer these questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the case definition?
- Describe and compare the age and gender distribution of E. coli O157:H7 cases from this outbreak and those reported from U.S. FoodNet sites in 1997.
- What kinds of questions would you ask in the hypothesis-generating interviews?
Given your knowledge about E. coli O157:H7, the descriptive epidemiology of the initial cases, and the results of hypothesis-generating interviews, outline the information available at this point on the source of the outbreak and mode of transmission.
Task 3 for this modular component
Read the article cited below on bridging the data gaps:
AbouZahr, C., Boerma, T., & Byass, P. (2017). Bridging the data gaps: do we have the right balance between country data and global estimates? Global health action, 10(sup1), 1299978. doi:10.1080/16549716.2017.1299978. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645668/)
Please answer this question:
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of extracting data from predictive statistical models versus national health information systems.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: SLP assignments should be at least 4 pages (1000 words) in length.
Assessment and Grading: Your paper will be assessed based on the performance assessment rubric that is linked within the course. Review it before you begin working on the assignment. Your work should adhere to these MSHS Assignment Expectations.
