Defining Field Epidemiology

Abstract

This chapter defines field epidemiology as investigations initiated in response to urgent public health problems. The key characteristics of field epidemiology remain unchanged over time in that a timely response is required to an unexpected problem, and public health epidemiologists must work rapidly in the field to gather enough evidence needed to guide a timely intervention to prevent illness or death. This chapter also discusses how the tried and true methods of field epidemiology must be adapted to the modern context of changing public expectations, the large amounts of new data and technologies that epidemiologists must be able to understand, expanding communications systems that can support or hinder an ongoing investigations, and a growing need to maintain close coordination with many domestic and international partners.