AN INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL METHODS

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and health outcomes are distributed in populations and the factors that influence them. Understanding epidemiological methods is essential for analyzing health data, assessing risks, and making evidence-based public health decisions.

This 3-hour course provides an introduction to key epidemiological study designs (cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control), as well as fundamental measures of risk and treatment effectiveness. Participants will gain practical knowledge in calculating and interpreting prevalence, incidence, relative risk, odds ratios, and treatment impact measures such as absolute risk reduction and numbers needed to treat (NNT).

This John Varlow | Training and Consultancy course will cover:

✔ Understanding cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control study designs
✔ Calculating and interpreting event rates in different groups
✔ Differentiating between prevalence and incidence rates
✔ Understanding relative risk (RR) and when it can be used
✔ Calculating and interpreting odds ratios (OR)
✔ Measuring treatment effects using relative and absolute risk reduction
✔ Understanding numbers needed to treat (NNT) and its significance
✔ Discussing the strengths and weaknesses of different data collection methods

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this 3-hour session, participants will:

✔ Understand the different types of epidemiological studies and their applications
✔ Learn how to calculate and interpret prevalence and incidence rates
✔ Gain insight into relative risk and odds ratios, and when each is appropriate
✔ Understand how to measure treatment effects using risk reduction measures
✔ Be able to calculate numbers needed to treat (NNT) and understand its impact
✔ Discuss the advantages and limitations of different epidemiological study methods

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This session is interactive and discussion-based, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on calculations to reinforce learning. Participants will engage in:

✔ Step-by-step demonstrations of epidemiological calculations
✔ Guided discussions on study designs and data collection methods
✔ Case studies illustrating risk assessment and treatment effectiveness

By the end of the session, participants will have a solid foundation in epidemiological concepts and the ability to apply them in data analysis and decision-making.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is designed for professionals who need to understand and apply epidemiological methods in healthcare, research, and public health. It is particularly relevant for:

✔ Public Health & Epidemiology Professionals analyzing disease patterns
✔ Healthcare & Medical Researchers conducting population studies
✔ Policy Makers & Public Sector Professionals making evidence-based decisions
✔ Clinical & Pharmaceutical Analysts evaluating treatment effects
✔ Anyone interested in understanding risk factors and health data analysis

Pre-requisites:

✔ Basic numeracy skills

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Epidemiological Study Designs

✔ Understanding cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies
✔ Strengths and weaknesses of each study design

2. Measuring Event Rates in Populations

✔ Understanding event rates in different groups
✔ Differentiating between prevalence and incidence rates

3. Understanding Risk Measures

✔ What is relative risk (RR) and when can it be used?
✔ How to calculate and interpret odds ratios (OR)

4. Measuring Treatment Effectiveness

✔ Understanding relative risk reduction (RRR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR)
✔ How to calculate and interpret numbers needed to treat (NNT)

5. Applying Epidemiological Methods to Real-World Data

✔ Case studies in disease prevention and treatment evaluation
✔ Recognizing bias and limitations in epidemiological studies

DURATION

⏳ 3 Hours

This session provides a concise yet comprehensive introduction to epidemiological methods, equipping participants with the skills to analyze health data and assess risks effectively.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this session, participants will receive a John Varlow | Training and Consultancy Certificate of Completion.