Keywords

emergency, epidemiology, outbreak investigation, problem-based learning

 

Authors

  1. Seagle, Heather M. MPH
  2. Morrow, Cynthia B. MD, MPH
  3. Cibula, Donald PhD
  4. Kerkering, Kathryn W. MD, MPH
  5. Novick, Lloyd F. MD, MPH

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a method of appraising skills in surveillance, assessment, and public health emergency investigation by using an examination based on an actual outbreak occurrence. This article presents an examination that uses a problem-based approach that works sequentially through the steps of an outbreak investigation to assess the investigation skills of individual students. Designed for graduate public heath students enrolled in a course in infectious disease epidemiology at East Carolina University, the examination can be used to appraise the outbreak investigation skills of medical students or practitioners.