Epidemiology offers powerful tools to quantify the degree to which risk factors and humanitarian interventions affect population health in a crisis. These tools include surveys, surveillance, analysis of programme data, and rapid assessment. Often different tools can provide information about the same health outcome or indicator of interest; however, the types of information provided by different tools may differ. As a result, a strategic choice about which tool to use is often required.

Introduction to Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Training course course aims to provide a grounding in epidemiological study designs and measures of disease risk used in aetiological epidemiology and health services research. Participants will gain practical experience in study design and the appraisal of the epidemiological literature.

By the end of this course participants will be able to interpret and report on healthcare surveillance data and to undertake a simulated hospital outbreak investigation. Teaching methods will include interactive practical sessions and activities.