Population Health and Epidemiology Then and Now
A century ago, epidemiology was a population science that focused on infectious diseases and outbreaks. Pioneered by passionate researchers like John Snow and Florence Nightingale, epidemiologic methods were used to curb the spread of debilitating diseases like cholera and the Spanish Flu. Today epidemiology relates to more than just acute outbreaks of illness; it addresses many chronic population health problems that nurses and other healthcare professionals deal with every day, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
For this assignment, you explore the development and evolution of epidemiology and
population health, as well as nurses’ roles in advancing care at the population level.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
· Curley, A. L. C. (Ed.). (2024).
Population-based nursing: Concepts and competencies for advanced practice (4th ed.). Springer.
· Chapter 1, “Introduction to Population-Based Nursing” (pp. 1-19)
· Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021).
Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
· Chapter 1, “History and Scope of Epidemiology”
· Chapter 2, “Practical Applications of Epidemiology”
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021).
Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMRW).Links to an external site.
· Coles A. B. (1969).
The Howard University School of Nursing in historical perspectiveLinks to an external site..
Journal of the National Medical Association, 61(2), 105–118.
· Gallagher, A. (2020).
Learning from Florence Nightingale: A slow ethics approach to nursing during the pandemicLinks to an external site..
Nursing Inquiry, 27, e12369.
· Michals, D. (Ed.). (2015).
Clara BartonLinks to an external site.
. National Women’s History Museum.
· National Women’s Hall of Fame. (n.d.).
Mary BreckinridgeLinks to an external site.
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· Rothberg, E. (2020).
Lillian WaldLinks to an external site.
. National Women’s History Museum.
· Staring-Derks, C., Staring, J. & Anionwu, E.N. (2014).
Mary Seacole: Global nurse extraordinaireLinks to an external site..
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(3), 514–525.
· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.).
Citations: OverviewLinks to an external site.
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· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.).
Common assignments: Discussion postLinks to an external site.
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· Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health with Dr. Letha Thomas
Time Estimate: 3 minutes
To prepare:
· Explore important developments in the history of epidemiology and population health. Consider how current practices differ from those at the genesis of the field.
· Reflect on the role of nurses in promoting population health in the light of the Learning Resources you reviewed this week.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a 400-500 word blog post addressing the following:
· Select two nurses who lived during the 1800s or the early 1900s and explain how this nurse’s dedicated advocacy transformed policies and practices for a specific population, resulting in improved outcomes for the populace.
· Explore the enduring impact of these pioneering initiatives up to the present day. Offer insights into the reasons behind their continuity or evolution and identify factors that triggered changes in their initial implementation.
· Examine the contemporary role of nurses in the advancement of population health. Discuss two effective avenues through which nurses can make a meaningful difference at the population level. Additionally, delve into the pivotal role played by epidemiology in enhancing the well-being of populations.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to
at least two colleagues on
two different days in one or more of the following ways:
· Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
· Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
· Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
· Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
· Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
· Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
Reply
