Epidemiology and Health Protection

Module details

Title

Epidemiology and Health Protection

Type

Rotation

Module code

SLS203

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of epidemiology and the investigation and management of infection outbreaks, including the role of local and specialist laboratory services and national bodies (e.g. Health Protection Agency) in epidemiological investigation.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Report the epidemiological surveillance and investigation of a major national or international outbreak of infection.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 3	Competency Use laboratory methods and protocols related to epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation to produce evidence of an infection outbreak from each of these sources.	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Use relevant data and statistical packages (e.g. Epi Info) and produce examples of how your laboratory has used their services.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 3	Competency Use laboratory and hospital information systems to identify and record patient demographics, clinical details and relevant laboratory results.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 3	Competency Use computer software packages for epidemiological surveillance and the investigation of infection outbreak.	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies.	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 1 case-based discussion(s)
• 1 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Outline epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation, including the importance of infection control	DOPS
Perform the range of methodologies used in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation. To include statistics relevant to epidemiology.	DOPS
Use laboratory information technology IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data.	DOPS
Participate in an outbreak control meeting	DOPS
An appropriate activity agreed with your Training Officer	OCE

Learning outcomes

1. Perform the range of methodologies used in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation. To include statistics relevant to epidemiology.
2. Understand the ways in which health protection services are delivered.
3. Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain epidemiology and its application to health protection.
2. Discuss and evaluate the role of local, national and international bodies associated with health protection.
3. Discuss and evaluate the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in both epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation and management.
4. Describe the design, operation and performance of epidemiological methodologies in surveillance, reporting and management of infectious disease outbreaks.
5. Discuss the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation and patient care.

Indicative content

• Advanced epidemiology, including study design and statistical data analysis
• Communicable disease surveillance and reporting, e.g. Communicable Disease Surveillance System (CoSurv)
• Role of laboratory services and techniques to support epidemiological investigation
• The principles of outbreak prevention, investigation, and management
• Environmental outbreaks, e.g. Legionella, Norovirus
• The role of the Health Protection Agency and successor bodies at local, regional and national levels
• The role of international surveillance bodies
• The legislative framework for Health and Safety at work as applied to infectious substances and disease

Activities

• Participate in an infection control exercise that aims to reduce the spread of infection. Produce a report with learning points to include the requirements and the implications of the exercise for both service delivery and patient/public care.
• Participate in the local delivery of health protection services and produce a report with learning points that include the local impact of services on the community.
• Participate in a multidisciplinary review meeting at which the epidemiological surveillance of an outbreak of infection is discussed. Produce a report with learning points that include the impact and possible experience of patients/public.
• Using a published case history describe in a report the epidemiological surveillance and investigation of a major national or international outbreak of infection. Produce a report with learning points relating to the importance of the multidisciplinary team.
• Prepare a portfolio of significant clinical cases reported in your presence and be able to list clinical outcomes and the main learning points that will influence your future practice.
• Observe and discuss with practitioners the clinical and laboratory roles in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation, including the importance of infection control. Report on your discussions, including the importance of interaction and the effect on outcomes.
• Observe and discuss with practitioners, the interpretation and reporting of the results of epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation. Report on your discussions with reference to the requirements and outcomes of reporting.
• Investigate and report on the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation, including the importance of this partnership for service delivery and patient/public care.