 |
 |
Time : 14.00 - 17.00 Dates : 29/10/01 & 02/11/01 Venue : Institute of Health Sciences, Oxford Total Cost : £150 Intrepid is an introductory course on Epidemiology that is adapted to the needs of all staff working within and outside the NHS. It aims to provide a basic understanding of the tools and techniques of Epidemiology and to demonstrate how and why these are useful when formulating health policy. The course covers : * What Epidemiology is, who uses it, and why * How disease and health is measured in populations * The strengths and weaknesses of population data on health status and health service utilisation * Understanding basic principles of different research designs and their strengths and limitations * Understanding how to interpret population data for use in decision making * The advantages and disadvantages of different disease prevention strategies, and how to use measures of public health impact to anticipate their potential benefits? * Understanding the practical value and limitations of different forms of epidemiological evidence in formulating and influencing public health policy decision making INTREPID strengthens the public health function in organisations by "increasing the capacity and capabilities of people involved in improving population health. The development of primary care groups and renewed emphasis on multi-disciplinary working highlight the need to give a broad range of professionals the skills for taking a population based approach to health and health care services. An understanding of the concepts of Epidemiology enables professionals to assess the value and relevance of epidemiological research. INTREPID is aimed at all people in commissioner or provider organisations and primary care whose work would benefit from having a greater understanding of a scientific approach to population health; for example GPs, nurses, information analysts, commissioners. The aim is not to teach people to carry out studies, rather to better appreciate when and what studies are needed and the value and meaning of work which has been / is being carried out. The teaching methods used in INTREPID are interactive and problem based. All sessions include practical components and participants are encouraged to take an active part throughout the session. The programme has been developed as a flexible package, able to respond to the knowledge base and needs of the participants. It has been devised and delivered by public health practitioners from the four counties of Bucks, Berks, Northants and Oxon. For further information, or to book you place please contact : Mark Hammond PHRU Administrator Public Health Resource Unit Institute of Health Sciences Old Road Headington Oxford OX3 7LF Tel : (01865) 226669 Fax: (01865) 226959