1.

Explain the epidemiological process and investigation to address an emerging

disease.

Epidemiology is the study of disease occurrence and transmission in a human

population. It consists of procedures designed to ensure the validity and accuracy of its
conclusions. Epidemiologists use a systematic approach to disease outbreak investigations.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) utilize
epidemiology specialists and are expected to be disciplined and scrupulous in their
methods.

The primary reason for conducting outbreak investigations is to identify the source
in order to establish control and to institute measures that will prevent future episodes of
disease. Outbreak investigations start with preparation. If the disease is already known,
case reports are reviewed to list prevalent patient symptoms, modes of transmission,
diagnostic tests, etc. Necessary supplies and equipment are prepared and concerned
agencies and jurisdiction are contacted. After preparation, the next step is to verify the
diagnosis and presence of an outbreak. It is important to establish that the outbreak is real
by examining how the cases were diagnosed and by determining what the baseline rate of
disease was previously. The next step, establishing a case definition and identifying cases,
means setting standard criteria for categorizing an individual as a case. A case definition
should be simple, objective, and discriminating – to be able to distinguish between people
with disease and those without. The next step is to conduct a descriptive epidemiology. It
systematically describes some of the key characteristics of those persons with the disease.
This process, in which the outbreak is characterized by time, place, and person, is called
descriptive epidemiology.

The sixth step of the epidemiological process is to develop a hypothesis. As soon

as an outbreak is suspected, one automatically considers what the cause might be and the
factors that are fueling it. One of the most important steps in generating hypotheses when
investigating an outbreak is to consider what is known about the biology of the disease,
including its possible modes of transmission, whether there are animal reservoirs of
disease, and the length of its incubation and infectious periods. The next step is to evaluate
the hypotheses. From an epidemiologic point of view, hypotheses are evaluated in one of
two ways: either by comparing the hypotheses with the established facts or by using
analytic epidemiology to quantify relationships and assess the role of chance. The next is
to refine hypotheses and carry out additional studies if necessary. If analytic epidemiology
does not prove any of the hypotheses generated by descriptive epidemiology, then you need
to go back to the descriptive epidemiology and consider other sources and routes of
transmission. In addition, even if analytical epidemiology establishes the source, it may be
necessary to pursue the investigation in order to refine your understanding of the source.
The 9th step is to implement control and prevention measures. Although it is listed toward
the end, prevention measures should be initiated as soon as possible if you have identified
the source. After all the processes above are achieved, it is important to communicate your
findings to the local health authorities and to those responsible for implementing control
and prevention measures. The final task is to summarize the investigation, its findings, and
its outcome in a report, and to communicate this report in an effective manner.

Page 1 of 2
 2. Discuss the role of the nurse in the different epidemiological process and control of
diseases.

A nurse epidemiologist is a professional who assumes the role of ensuring that

patients receive optimal care while reducing overall infection risks. They are responsible
for conducting epidemiological investigations, as well as reviewing patients who may have
the potential for infection. They are also responsible for monitoring patient care behavior
to ensure that no risks are taken that might lead to the transmission of infectious diseases.
Their difference to other nurse professionals is that they focus primarily on preventing the
spread of disease rather than treating existing infections.

These are the nurses’ specific responsibilities throughout the epidemiological

process:

• Examine patients and determine potential presence of infection

• Assess risk factors within a patient, a facility, or even a population
• Identify areas that need to be modified for better infection control
• Monitor patient care to ensure infection isn’t transmitted throughout the population
• Work to develop policies and procedures that can help reduce infections and control
disease
• Consult with other medical professionals and policy makers to help reduce infection
risk and promote better overall health

References:

The Epidemiological Process. (n.d.). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from

http://www.pandemsim.com/beta/EpiProcess.html

Public Health & the Epidemiological Process: Duquesne University. (2020, April 11).
Retrieved September 05, 2020, from https://onlinenursing.duq.edu/blog/public-health-
epidemiological-process/

Outbreak Investigations. (n.d.). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from

https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/Outbreak/Outbreak_print.html

Nurse Epidemiologist. (n.d.). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from

https://www.careersinpublichealth.net/careers/nurse-epidemiologist

Page 2 of 2