Epidemiology for Policy and Programme Management

Abstract

Lansang, Dennis, Volmink and Macfarlane introduce the reader to the value of epidemiology in providing evidence for health-care policy and practice. They provide an overview of epidemiological principles and methods, and offer some practical considerations in designing some major types of study. They emphasize the importance of asking the right research question, choosing the most appropriate study design and sample size, avoiding bias, presenting results with measures of uncertainty, and critically appraising and sharing findings with caution. Drawing on case studies from around the world, the authors provide guidance for decision-makers about the relevance of epidemiology to their work and about how to assess the appropriateness of evidence for improved policy formulation and implementation.