Read time: 4 mins
Based on COVID-19 and investment in applied epidemiology by Matthew Myers Griffith, Amy Elizabeth Parry, Tambri Housen, Tony Stewart, and Martyn D Kirk, published July 2022.
Applied epidemiologists have a crucial role. They help control epidemics through detecting clustered diseases and recommending control measures. Internationally, we need more of them with better training. ANU researchers suggest five ways to increase the capacity to investigate epidemics and stop them earlier.
Read time: 4 mins
Based on COVID-19 and investment in applied epidemiology by Matthew Myers Griffith, Amy Elizabeth Parry, Tambri Housen, Tony Stewart, and Martyn D Kirk, published July 2022.
1
Applied epidemiologists use real-life data from surveillance and field investigation to combat epidemics.
2
Insufficient numbers, inadequate training and low government regard reduce applied epidemiology’s capacity to investigate epidemics and inform decisions to control them.
3
Governments should work with partners to build programs to help detect and investigate epidemics.
Think of applied epidemiologists as the intelligence arm of a health emergency response. They provide information on a pathogen’s movements and ways to stop it.
They’re different from academic epidemiologists. While academic epidemiologists focus on analytic rigour and use high-quality data from controlled circumstances, applied epidemiologists value urgency, speed, practicality, responsiveness and impact.
Most countries had applied epidemiologists when COVID-19 hit. But there were too few of them, their training was sometimes inadequate, and the field as a whole suffered from low government regard. This situation must be addressed if the world wants to be better prepared before the next pandemic hits.
ANU expertise points to five practical ways to get there.
First, establish pathways for applied epidemiologists to work in government public health. Career paths attract talent and convert investment in training into investment in the public’s health. Governments should classify epidemiologists in human resources schemes and clarify pathways for promotion.
Second, institutionalise applied epidemiology training programs with a consistent funding base. Government funding is the best way to ensure the program remains focused on national priorities, rather than the priorities of external funders. This strengthens the program’s integrity and supports Australia’s overall health security.
Third, inform epidemic and pandemic decision-making with applied epidemiology. Applied epidemiologists interpret epidemic information and inform decisions. Governments should appoint them to advisory roles, involve decision-makers in their training program activities, and facilitate trainees to investigate local outbreaks.
Fourth, establish training programs where they do not yet exist. At minimum, the World Health Organisation recommends countries have one field or applied epidemiologist to detect and investigate epidemics for every 200,000 people. Governments should work with partners to build programs that meet local needs.
Fifth, ensure training approaches are fit-for-purpose. Investment must produce a competent workforce that serves populations and informs decision-makers. Governments should review training competencies – including the lessons learnt in COVID-19 – and engage science professionals to develop training that matches trainees’ learning needs and styles.
“Governments should appoint applied epidemiologists to advisory roles, involve decision-makers in their training program activities, and facilitate trainees to investigate local outbreaks.”
