Learning objectives
In line with the guidelines of the "Institute for International Medical Education (IIME), Task force for Assessment" and, at the national level, of the Schools of Medicine Presidents’ Permanent Conference, the students will know, understand and apply the epidemiological methodology in the field of evaluation processes in health. In addition, they should be able to apply the acquired knowledge and understanding in epidemiologic methods in order to read and interpret scientific literature as well as in healthcare management in order to assess health systems’ features.
Prerequisites
Students must have taken the Semeiotics and Microbiology exams
Course unit content
Epidemiology for health assessments: the basics of epidemiological methodology and notions about the main health indicators and surveillance systems.
National and international health organization and bases of Italian health legislation.
Full programme
THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL METHOD AND ELEMENTS OF DEMOGRAPHY.
Definition of epidemiology and the importance of the denominator.
Sources of epidemiological data.
Status and movement of populations
Average life, life expectancy at birth, old age index, infant mortality rate.
The main epidemiological measures of frequency and risk: proportions and rates, prevalence and incidence (cumulative and person-time)
The secondary, spurious and causal association, the criteria of causality.
Classification of observational epidemiological studies: case-report, analysis of current, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort statistics. Outline of randomized clinical trials.
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Health systems and the organization of assistance in Italy.
The articulations of the National Health Service
Health planning in Italy.
International Health and Global Health.
Bibliography
• Signorelli C. Igiene e Sanità Pubblica (Secrets, VII EDIZIONE). SEU, Roma, 2017.
• Barbuti S, Bellelli E, Fara GM, Giammanco G. Igiene e medicina preventiva (4° ediz). Monduzzi, Bologna, 2014.
• Tarsitani G, Signorelli C, Mastroeni I. Igiene, Epidemiologia e Sanità Pubblica. 5000 Quesiti a scelta multipla (V EDIZIONE). SEU Roma, 2012
•Teaching material used during the lessons provided by the teacher.
Teaching methods
The course will be taught through frontal lectures as well as through case reports and interactive sessions that allow students to be faced with real word challenges and to understand how epidemiology and public health instruments are relevant and powerful across-the-board in health.
Assessment methods and criteria
The module is an integral part of the course "Hygiene, public health and health policies"
The course includes a single final exam (written and oral)
The written test will assess the knowledge and skills acquired by the students during the course. The oral exam will serve to verify the connection, learning, critical analysis and communication skills acquired by the students at the end of the course.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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