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Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice

Keri Althoff, PhD, MPH

4.7

Based on 1,196 ratings

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Keri Althoff, PhD, MPH

Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies.

In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving methodology and demonstrate how it can be used in a wide variety of settings to identify problems, propose solutions, and evaluate interventions. This methodology depends on the use of reliable data, so we'll take a deep dive into the routine and public health data systems that lie at the heart of epidemiology and then conclude with how you can use that data to calculate measures of disease burden in populations.

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Syllabus

Introduction and Problem-Solving Methodology

In this module, we will introduce the problem solving methodology. This methodology is a powerful tool that can useful when identifying a public health problem, building the case that there truly is a problem, suggesting interventions, and suggestions ways to evaluate the interventions and disseminate the findings of the evaluation.

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what should give you pause

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This course provides a solid foundation in epidemiology, which is essential for public health professionals

Taught by experienced epidemiologists, this course offers practical insights and examples

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from problem-solving methodologies to measures of disease burden

Requires basic knowledge of statistics and public health

May be more suitable for individuals with prior experience in epidemiology or public health

Hands-on exercises and case studies enhance understanding of concepts

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Reviews summary

Essential data skills for public health

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in public health data sources, health indicators, and measures of disease burden. Students found the explanations to be generally clear and concise, with the lectures being well-structured and easy to follow. Many highlighted the material's high relevance to public health practice and their work. While largely positive, some felt parts were a bit dry or theoretical, and a common suggestion was the inclusion of more hands-on exercises, practical assignments using real datasets, or interactive elements to supplement the core concepts.

Instructor provides understandable and concise explanations.

"...the instructor's explanations were clear and concise."

"The lectures were well-structured and easy to follow."

"Clear explanations throughout."

"Concepts were explained clearly."

Material is highly applicable to public health work.

"Highly recommend for anyone in public health practice."

"Very practical and relevant information for public health professionals."

"Highly relevant to current public health challenges."

"found the section on routine data systems very relevant to my work."

Provides essential knowledge in key public health data areas.

"This course was excellent! It provided a solid foundation in understanding public health data sources and how to interpret health indicators."

"Excellent course for building foundational knowledge."

"Solid information, well-organized lectures."

"It covered important data topics, which was valuable."

Some topics were dense or explanations less clear at times.

"The material on age standardization was a bit dense..."

"The content on measures of disease burden was challenging..."

"...I felt the explanations could have been clearer."

"Some parts felt a little theoretical..."

Learners desire more hands-on application and real data.

"...it would benefit from more hands-on exercises."

"...I wish there were more practical assignments using real datasets."

"Could use more interactive elements or case studies."

"A bit more on data visualization or reporting would be a great addition."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice with these activities:

Learn about data analysis software

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Gain proficiency in using software tools to analyze epidemiological data.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Follow tutorials on data analysis software
Practice using the software to analyze data

Read 'Fundamentals of Epidemiology'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of epidemiology.

View Epidemiology on Amazon

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Brush up on data visualization

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Review data visualization techniques to strengthen your ability to present epidemiological data.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Review scatterplots, bar graphs, and histograms
Practice creating visualizations using data analysis software

Four other activities

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Participate in study groups

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of epidemiology concepts.

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Form or join a study group
Discuss course material and case studies

Compile a glossary of epidemiology terms

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Strengthen your understanding of epidemiology by creating a reference of key terms.

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Identify and define key terms
Organize the terms into a glossary

Develop a public health intervention plan

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Create a plan to improve health outcomes based on your understanding of epidemiology.

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Identify a public health problem
Research the causes and risk factors
Develop an intervention strategy
Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention

Develop an infographic on a public health topic

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Enhance your understanding of epidemiology by creating a visual representation of a public health issue.

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Choose a public health topic
Research and gather data
Design and create the infographic

Career center

Learners who complete Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease, injury, or other health problems in populations. They use this information to identify trends, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate public health programs to improve the health of communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Scientist

Public Health Scientists conduct research to improve the health of communities and populations. Public Health Scientists may specialize in areas such as disease surveillance, environmental health, or epidemiology. This course may be useful for Public Health Scientists interested in using Epidemiology to identify causes of disease, evaluate health programs, and develop prevention strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. Data Analysts may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course may be useful for Data Analysts interested in using Epidemiology to analyze health data and identify opportunities for improving population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Health Informatics Specialist

Health Informatics Specialists design, implement, and manage health information systems. Health Informatics Specialists work with healthcare providers, administrators, and patients to improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of health information. This course may be useful for Health Informatics Specialists interested in using Epidemiology to analyze health data and to develop and implement health information systems that support public health practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Informatics Specialist

Statistician

Statisticians apply statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. Statisticians may work in a variety of fields, including public health, healthcare, and research. This course may be useful for Statisticians interested in using Epidemiology to analyze health data and evaluate the effectiveness of health programs.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses provide nursing care and health education to individuals, families, and communities. Public Health Nurses work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and community centers. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses interested in using Epidemiology to identify health problems, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts analyze health policies and programs to assess their impact on population health. Health Policy Analysts may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts interested in using Epidemiology to evaluate the effectiveness of health policies and programs and to identify opportunities for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators manage clinical research studies and ensure that they are conducted according to ethical and regulatory guidelines. They work closely with researchers, physicians, and patients to ensure that the study is carried out efficiently and effectively. This course may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators interested in using Epidemiology to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions and to identify opportunities for improving patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs and materials to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide information and resources on a variety of health topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental Health Specialists identify and assess environmental hazards and develop and implement strategies to protect public health. Environmental Health Specialists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Health Specialists interested in using Epidemiology to identify environmental risk factors for disease and to develop and evaluate environmental health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Specialist

Demographer

Demographers study the size, composition, and distribution of populations. Demographers may work in a variety of fields, including public health, sociology, and economics. This course may be useful for Demographers interested in using Epidemiology to analyze population health data and to identify trends and patterns in the distribution of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Demographer

Social Worker

Social Workers help individuals, families, and communities to address social, emotional, and economic problems. Social Workers may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful for Social Workers interested in using Epidemiology to identify social and economic factors that contribute to health problems and to develop and evaluate social work interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. Community Health Workers work with a variety of populations, including low-income families, people with chronic diseases, and the elderly. This course may be useful for Community Health Workers interested in using Epidemiology to identify health problems in their communities and to develop and implement prevention strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Health Services Manager

Health Services Managers plan, direct, and coordinate health care services in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs to improve patient care and ensure the efficient operation of healthcare organizations.

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Physician

A Physician serves as an expert in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients' illnesses and injuries. Physicians may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, cardiology, or oncology. This course may be useful for Physicians interested in using Epidemiology to improve population health and evaluate health programs and policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice.

Epidemiology for Public Health Practice

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Is commonly used as a textbook in epidemiology courses. It is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.

Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Essential data skills for public health

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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