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Stefan Baral, MD, MPH, MBA, FRCPC
In this course, we'll build on the previous lessons in this specialization to focus on some very specific skills related to public health surveillance. We'll learn how to get the most out of surveillance data analysis, focusing specifically on interpreting time trend data to detect temporal aberrations as well as person, place, and time in the context of surveillance data. We'll also explore strategies for the presentation of surveillance data and some of the complex legal elements that affect its use. We'll then turn our attention to surveillance of non-communicable chronic diseases and how the data can be used to support prevention efforts. Finally, we'll explore special surveillance systems, such as syndromic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and event-related surveillance. This course is designed for public health practitioners with a focus on those working on health surveillance in municipal, regional, state, provincial, or even national public health agencies. We really think that this course will help those with an interest in health surveillance to see which approaches are used in actual practice of public health.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Analyses of Surveillance Data
In this first module, we're going to focus on the analyses used in health surveillance. Specifically, we're going to talk about how to interpret time trend data that's harnessed as part of health surveillance programs and strategies used to detect temporal aberrations. We're also going to build on some of your earlier specialization lessons on descriptive epidemiology with a real focus on how it can be used in the analyses of person, place, and time in the context of surveillance data. I really want to highlight throughout the module how we often underutilize surveillance data to analyze complex issues, but I also want to talk about the some of the limitations that exist within the data sets.
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Syllabus
Analyses of Surveillance Data
In this first module, we're going to focus on the analyses used in health surveillance. Specifically, we're going to talk about how to interpret time trend data that's harnessed as part of health surveillance programs and strategies used to detect temporal aberrations. We're also going to build on some of your earlier specialization lessons on descriptive epidemiology with a real focus on how it can be used in the analyses of person, place, and time in the context of surveillance data. I really want to highlight throughout the module how we often underutilize surveillance data to analyze complex issues, but I also want to talk about the some of the limitations that exist within the data sets.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops comprehension of how to interpret time trend data in health surveillance, which is important for understanding disease patterns over time
Builds on earlier concepts of descriptive epidemiology and applies them to person, place, and time factors in surveillance data analysis
Explores strategies for presenting surveillance data effectively, which is crucial for communicating public health findings and recommendations
Provides insights into the complex legal considerations surrounding the use of surveillance data
Teaches methods for surveillance of non-communicable diseases, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality
Examines special surveillance systems, such as syndromic and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, which are essential for detecting and responding to emerging health threats
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Reviews summary
Practical public health surveillance insights
According to learners, this course provides valuable and practical insights into public health surveillance, particularly for working professionals. Students frequently highlight the strength of the modules covering dissemination strategies and the complex legal elements affecting data use, finding these sections highly informative and applicable. The exploration of chronic disease surveillance and special systems is also noted as insightful. While the course is seen as a strong continuation of the specialization, building well on previous material and featuring knowledgeable instruction, a minority of students felt the analysis section could benefit from more hands-on detail or greater depth. Overall, it's considered a useful resource for those in the field.
Instructor's expertise and clarity are positives.
"The instructor was clearly an expert and presented the material well."
"Presentations were clear and easy to follow."
"Appreciated the real-world experience the instructor brought."
Builds effectively on previous courses.
"This course is an excellent continuation of the specialization."
"Builds very well on the 'Building Blocks' course."
"Felt like a logical and necessary next step."
"Concepts from previous courses were reinforced and expanded upon."
Chronic disease and special systems explored well.
"The sections on chronic diseases and special surveillance systems were very insightful."
"Learned a lot about different types of surveillance systems beyond the basics."
"Syndromic surveillance was particularly interesting."
"Good overview of approaches tailored to specific health issues."
Focus on data use laws and communication praised.
"The module on dissemination strategies and legal aspects was incredibly valuable."
"Learning about the legal constraints on surveillance data was essential."
"Appreciated the depth on communication frameworks for sensitive data."
"This section alone was worth taking the course for."
Course material directly applicable to work.
"The content is highly relevant to my daily work in public health surveillance."
"This course gave me practical strategies I can use immediately."
"Very useful for public health practitioners."
"Helped bridge the gap between theory and practice in surveillance."
Some wished for more detail or hands-on analysis.
"I felt the analysis section could have gone into more detail."
"Could use more hands-on exercises for data analysis."
"Wished for deeper coverage of specific analytical techniques."
"Analysis module was a bit less practical than expected."
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 Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems with these
activities:
Explore online resources on surveillance methods
Show steps
Explore online resources to supplement understanding of surveillance methods covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Public Health Surveillance
Show steps
-
Review online tutorials and articles on surveillance methods.
-
Participate in online discussion forums to connect with other professionals.
Review epidemiology principles
Show steps
Review basic epidemiology principles to strengthen understanding of disease surveillance concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Review the concepts of incidence, prevalence, and mortality.
-
Practice calculating and interpreting epidemiologic measures using real-world data.
Review statistical analysis procedures
Show steps
Review basic statistical analysis procedures to improve understanding of data analysis concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
-
Review basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
-
Practice calculating and interpreting statistical measures using a calculator or statistical software.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice data interpretation exercises
Show steps
Practice interpreting surveillance data to improve analytical skills covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Data Interpretation
Show steps
-
Analyze surveillance data to identify trends and patterns.
-
Interpret data to make recommendations for public health interventions.
Design a surveillance plan
Show steps
Create a surveillance plan to apply understanding of surveillance concepts and methodologies covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Public Health Surveillance
Show steps
-
Identify the target population and health outcome of interest.
-
Determine data sources and collection methods.
-
Develop a data analysis plan to monitor trends and detect outbreaks.
Discuss case studies in surveillance
Show steps
Discuss case studies to enhance understanding of real-world surveillance applications covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Review case studies provided in the course materials.
-
Participate in peer discussions to analyze and discuss the case studies.
Create a study guide
Show steps
Create a study guide to organize and synthesize course materials for effective retention and recall.
Show steps
-
Review course notes, assignments, and quizzes.
-
Summarize key concepts and definitions.
-
Include practice questions and exercises for self-assessment.
Explore online resources on surveillance methods
Show steps
Explore online resources to supplement understanding of surveillance methods covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Public Health Surveillance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review online tutorials and articles on surveillance methods.
- Participate in online discussion forums to connect with other professionals.
Review epidemiology principles
Show steps
Review basic epidemiology principles to strengthen understanding of disease surveillance concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the concepts of incidence, prevalence, and mortality.
- Practice calculating and interpreting epidemiologic measures using real-world data.
Review statistical analysis procedures
Show steps
Review basic statistical analysis procedures to improve understanding of data analysis concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
- Practice calculating and interpreting statistical measures using a calculator or statistical software.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice data interpretation exercises
Show steps
Practice interpreting surveillance data to improve analytical skills covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Data Interpretation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze surveillance data to identify trends and patterns.
- Interpret data to make recommendations for public health interventions.
Design a surveillance plan
Show steps
Create a surveillance plan to apply understanding of surveillance concepts and methodologies covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Public Health Surveillance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the target population and health outcome of interest.
- Determine data sources and collection methods.
- Develop a data analysis plan to monitor trends and detect outbreaks.
Discuss case studies in surveillance
Show steps
Discuss case studies to enhance understanding of real-world surveillance applications covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review case studies provided in the course materials.
- Participate in peer discussions to analyze and discuss the case studies.
Create a study guide
Show steps
Create a study guide to organize and synthesize course materials for effective retention and recall.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review course notes, assignments, and quizzes.
- Summarize key concepts and definitions.
- Include practice questions and exercises for self-assessment.
Career center
Learners who complete Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists work in a variety of industries to use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve public health.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts have the opportunity to work for government agencies and private organizations to utilize data to understand and plan for public health initiatives, policies, and educational programs. Taking this course in Surveillance Systems would provide a strong foundation.
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialists work in the healthcare industry to manage and analyze health data. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve healthcare systems.
Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurses work to prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform infection control policies and programs.
Clinical Data Manager
Clinical Data Manager
Clinical Data Managers work in the healthcare industry to manage and analyze clinical data. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve clinical outcomes.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators work in a variety of industries to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform health education programs and materials.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists work to protect the health and safety of workers. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform occupational health and safety policies and programs.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts work to develop and analyze health policies. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform health policy.
Health Statistician
Health Statistician
Health Statisticians work in the health industry to use their statistical expertise to analyze data for the improvement of public health. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a solid foundation for anyone interested in the statistical side of public health.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists work to protect human health from environmental hazards. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform environmental health policies and programs.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide consulting services to healthcare organizations. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in healthcare consulting gain knowledge in using data to improve healthcare systems.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists work in a variety of industries related to public health. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform public health strategies and policies.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians work in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to develop innovative statistical methods. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in biostatistics gain knowledge in working with data in a public health context.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialists work in the healthcare industry to ensure that products and services meet regulatory requirements. This course in Surveillance Systems may be helpful for someone interested in regulatory affairs, as it provides a foundation in understanding how data is used to inform regulatory decisions.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists work in the research and development sector of the healthcare industry. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in medical research gain knowledge in working with health surveillance data.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rwa9qy/surveillance
Reading list
We've selected seven 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
Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the statistical methods used in public health surveillance. It covers a wide range of topics, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of chronic disease surveillance. It covers a wide range of topics, including cancer surveillance, cardiovascular disease surveillance, and diabetes surveillance.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of syndromic surveillance. It covers a wide range of topics, including syndromic surveillance systems, data analysis, and interpretation.
Provides a practical guide to communicating health risks effectively. It covers a wide range of topics, including risk perception, risk communication strategies, and message development.
This manual provides a comprehensive guide to field epidemiology, including methods for outbreak investigation and surveillance.
This guide provides a practical guide to health systems strengthening, including the role of surveillance in public health practice.
This guide provides a practical guide to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, including the role of surveillance in public health practice.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rwa9qy/surveillance
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Rating
4.8
Effort
6 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Stefan Baral, MD, MPH, MBA, FRCPC
Language
English
Transcripts
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice. It's comprised of five courses:
- Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems (viewing)
- Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice
- Outbreaks and Epidemics
- Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice
- Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks
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