INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY

This material serves as brief overview and an introduction to the uses, methodology and clinical application of epidemiology. The main goals are to:
• State the main applications and uses of epidemiology
• Identify the most commonly used study designs
• Understand the advantages and limitations of epidemiological measurements
• Apply the knowledge gained by critically evaluating the medical literature
• Define evidence-based medicine
• Create a clinical query based on a patient’s chief complaint
• Apply the knowledge gained by effectively searching medical databases to answer clinical queries.

Course Outline

PART ONE: EPIDEMIOLOGY

Epidemiology Pre-Test

Introduction: History of Epidemiology
Concepts in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Introduction to Biostatistical Concepts

Study Designs I: Randomized Controlled Trials
Cohort Studies

Study Designs II: Case-Control Studies
Ecologic Studies
Cross-Sectional Studies


Threats to Validity: Confounding and Bias

Epidemiology Post-Test


PART TWO: EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE

Introduction: Definitions
Elements of EBM
PICO, Sources and Searches

Diagnosis: Sensitivity, Specificity,
Positive and Negative Predictive Values
Likelihood Ratios, SNout, SPin

Treatment: Number Needed to Treat / Harm

Student Presentations