Directions:
One of the most important things that an epidemiologist might do is called surveillance. Surveillance is about monitoring disease trends in order to understand how disease functions in populations. It also allows epidemiologists to recognize unusual trends and intervene. There are two major types of surveillance, which are active surveillance and passive surveillance. Please explain each type with an example of how it is used.
Due dates for your initial and response posts can be found by checking the Course Syllabus and Course Calendar.
Rubric Details
Maximum Score
10 points
Initial Post
5 possible points (50%)Exceeds ExpectationsStudent submits initial post on time. The initial post addresses the discussion question in detail and meets all content requirements in discussion directions. Post is original in content, not copied/pasted from source. If source is used, it is referenced proper format. Word count is over 80 words.5Meets ExpectationsStudent submits initial post 1-5 days late but within the open module and before Saturday at 1159pm CST. The initial post addresses the discussion question adequately and meets most content requirements. Post is original in content, not copied/pasted from source. If source is used, it is referenced proper format. Word count is between 80-50 words.2.5Needs ImprovmentStudent submits initial post 1-5 days late but within the open module and before Saturday at 1159pm CST. Student submits initial post late and/or the post lacks the required components of the discussion question. Post is not original content but is copied/pasted material. Word count is below 50 words.1Did Not SubmitStudent did not participate in the discussion forum.0
Dialogue (Reply) Post
3 possible points (30%)Exceeds ExpectationsStudent replies to one or more classmates. Reply post is submitted on time. Student answers questions instructor or other students pose in response to the initial post. The replies specifically address the topic and inspire new, relevant discussion opportunities of a scholarly level.3Meets ExpectationsStudent replies to one or more classmates. Student does not answer questions posted in response to the initial post. Replies generally address the topic and fosters some new, relevant discussion opportunities.1.5Needs ImprovmentStudent makes no reply posts to classmates during the discussion period or replies fail to address the topic. Replies do not foster any new, relevant discussion opportunities, or are off-topic completely.0.5Did Not SubmitStudent did not participate in the discussion forum.0
Mechanics
2 possible points (20%)Exceeds ExpectationsStudent makes 0 errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. All writing is of a professional level, with no “text” or “chat” language. Sources listed in correct APA format (if required).2Meets ExpectationsStudent makes minimal errors (1-4) in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Writing is clear with no “text” or “chat” language. Errors do not distract reader. Sources not listed in correct APA format (if required.)1Needs ImprovmentStudent makes several errors (5 or more) in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Errors distract reader and cloud meaning of the message. Some “text” or “chat” language is used. Sources not listed (if required.)0.5Did Not SubmitStudent did not participate in the discussion forum.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In epidemiology, surveillance plays a crucial role in monitoring disease trends and understanding how diseases function within populations. There are two major types of surveillance, active and passive surveillance, each with its own unique purpose and example. This response will delve into the explanation of each type of surveillance and provide an example for better understanding.
Active Surveillance:
Active surveillance involves actively seeking out and collecting data on disease occurrences through various methods, such as regular surveys, interviews, and laboratory testing. The goal is to actively monitor and track disease patterns and trends in order to identify and respond to outbreaks or unusual occurrences promptly.
Example: In the case of an outbreak of foodborne illness, an active surveillance system may involve regular inspections of restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. Health officials would actively sample food products, collect data on cases of foodborne illness, and investigate any reported outbreaks. This continuous monitoring would help identify the source of the outbreak and implement necessary control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Passive Surveillance:
Passive surveillance, on the other hand, relies on the voluntary reporting of disease cases by health care providers and laboratories. This type of surveillance involves the passive collection of data without active involvement from the surveillance system. Primarily, passive surveillance focuses on detecting and monitoring trends in routine disease reporting.
Example: The reporting of infectious diseases to local health departments by hospitals and clinics is an example of passive surveillance. Health care providers report cases of notifiable diseases, such as tuberculosis or sexually transmitted infections, to the appropriate authorities. The data collected through passive surveillance allows for the monitoring of disease trends over time and aids in identifying any unusual increases in disease incidence.
Overall, active and passive surveillance are essential tools for epidemiologists to gather data, monitor disease trends, and intervene when necessary. By understanding the differences and examples of these surveillance types, medical college students can appreciate the crucial role surveillance plays in epidemiology and public health.
