Introduction to Outbreak Investigation

Competencies Addressed

Council on Linkages, Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

1. Analytical/Assessment Skills

1A1. Identifies the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and illness

1A2. Describes the characteristics of a population-based health problem

2. Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

2A4. Gathers information that will inform policy decisions

2A6. Participates in program planning process

3. Communicaiton Skills

3A3. Solicits community-based input from individuals and organizations

5. Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

5A1. Recognizes community linkagaes and relationships among multiple factors (or determinants) affecting health

5A4. COllaborates with community partners to promote the health of the population

5A4. Collaborates with community partners to promote the health of the population

CDC, Public Health Preparedness and Core Competency Model

1. Model Leadership

1.4 Maintain situational awareness

2. Communicate and Manage Information

2.2  Use principles of crisis communication

CDC, Public Health Preparedness Capabilities

Capability 3: Emergency Operations Coordination

Function 1: Conduct preliminary need for public action

Capability 13: Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation

Function 1: Conduct public health surveillance and detection

Function 2: Conduct public health and epidemiogical investigations

This module provides an awareness-level training in the following epidemiology competency and subcompetencies developed by the University of Washington (UW Epidemiology Competencies).

Competency 2: Design and conduct an outbreak investigation.

Subcompetency A: Monitor for recognition of a potential disease outbreak.

Subcompetency B: Determine if a potential outbreak exists.

Subcompetency D: Establish a case definition based on person, place and time.

Subcompetency F: Establish the background rate of disease.

Subcompetency G: Find additional cases, determine extent of the outbreak.

Subcompetency H: Examine the descriptive features of the outbreak.

Subcompetency I: Formulate a hypothesis of disease causation.

Subcompetency K: Collect and test clinical and environmental samples.

Subcompetency L: Put control measures into effect.

Subcompetency M: Interact with the public and the media.