A century ago, epidemiology was a population science that focused on infectious diseases and outbreaks. Pioneered by passionate researchers like John Snow and Florence Nightingale, epidemiologic methods were used to curb the spread of debilitating diseases like cholera and the Spanish Flu. Today epidemiology relates to more than just acute outbreaks of illness; it addresses many chronic population health problems that nurses and other healthcare professionals deal with every day, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
For this assignment, you explore the development and evolution of epidemiology and population health, as well as nurses’ roles in advancing care at the population level.
To prepare:
- Explore important developments in the history of epidemiology and population health. Consider how current practices differ from those at the genesis of the field.
- Reflect on the role of nurses in promoting population health in the light of the Learning Resources you reviewed this week.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a 300- to 400-word blog post addressing the following:
- How has the practice and scope of population health changed? Include in your explanation the role of epidemiology in promoting the health of populations.
- What role did nurses play at the advent of these concepts in the 1800s and early 1900s? Be sure to differentiate between individual and population-based care.
- How can nurses play an effective role in advancing population health today? Discuss two ways you can make a difference at the population level.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Submission and Grading Information
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Curley, A. L. C. (Ed.). (2020). Population-based nursing: Concepts and competencies for advanced practice (3rd ed.). Springer.
- Chapter 1, “Introduction to Population-Based Nursing”
Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021). Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
- Chapter 1, “History and Scope of Epidemiology”
- Chapter 2, “Practical Applications of Epidemiology”
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health with Dr. Letha Thomas
Time Estimate: 3 minutes
Transcript – Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health with Dr. Letha Thomas [PDF]
