Purpose: Comment the Discussion

To Comment

The core functions are listed as: (a) surveillance; (b) investigation; (c) analytic studies; (d) evaluation; (e) linkages, and (f) policy development. I will touch on each topic and then choose one for discussion.

Surveillance - The ongoing framework of data collection, interpretation and disbursement of data to help guide public health. Epidemiologists must have a design or system in place for interpretation to others.

Investigation - Confirms or clarifies the extent of disease reported and to identify the cause of the disease.

Analytic Studies - evaluates the credibility of hypotheses which has been created by surveillance and field investigations.

Evaluation - The ability of a program to produce the intended and/or expected results.

Linkages - Networking the findings within a study and to "broadcast" to public health  populations as well as other health professionals.

Policy Development - Input data, recommendations for disease control and develop health care policies.

Policy Development

There is a lot of work which goes into policy development. As a critical care nurse, I was on the board for policy development; but, not for Epidemiology.

In fact, I did not know  physicians were much on policy at all. However, it would only make sense an Epidemiologist  would indeed be at the head of the table for policy development of disease.

The first disease which comes to mind is Ebola Virus. If one looks on the CDC (2014) web site, there are  topics from A-Z concerning this disease alone. With Ebola Virus we had 4 people enter the United States from September thru October 2014 with the Ebola Virus. Sadly, 1 died but the other 3 lived. There was a fast turn around of events concerning policy and procedures  about this disease: Who came into our country? From where? Exposure  information? Just to name a few...they were on it!

The CDC (2014) web site is covered with policy and procedure for this disease alone and what to do if you feel you have had exposed to Ebola. So, what had to happen is disease  control strategies and regulations were put into place and fast. No doubt, we are lucky to live
in a country with such a rapid response to disease and its process. It is a multidisciplinary approach to a disease coming to our borders (Ebola) and the response was phenomenal!

References:

Introduction to Epidemiology. (n.d.).

State Ebola Laws. (2014).

Thing to Remember:

• Answer this discussion with opinions/ideas creatively and clearly. Supports post using several outside, peer-reviewed sources.

• 1 References, find resources that are 5 years or less

• No errors with APA format 6 Edition