Human Health and Disease How could the information learned about a disease's epidemiology be used to protect public health? What kind of epidemiological information would a public health official want to know about this disease? What actions might they take based on this information?

The epidemiology will look at factors such as demographics, causes, patterns and the impact the disease is having. This is used to determine the symptoms, educate the general public and create vaccines to treat the condition. Public health officials need to know about which groups of people are most vulnerable, the way the disease is spread, mortality rates, possible vaccines and what actions are being taken by other stakeholders (i.e. governments, nonprofits and businesses). These areas will help them to determine impact it is having and create strategies to prevent it from spreading. To achieve these objectives they will educate the public, work with researchers to find a cure, coordinate with other public health officials and in extreme situations impose travel restrictions / quarantines.

What might happen if the wrong conclusions were drawn about the etiology of a disease?

The disease could spread from not fully understanding its symptoms, mortality rates and how it is transmitted. This can lead to major outbreaks. Conversely, information that is incorrect will be viewed as wasting time, money and resources. These issues create a sense of anger among the general public who want accuracy, accountability and transparency.

What kind of factors might influence a doctor's choice of one kind of imaging over another? Are there any situations in which one kind of imaging should absolutely NOT be used? If MRI produces such highly detailed pictures, why don't we do MRIs on everyone who needs imaging?

The biggest factors impacting the choices of the doctor include: the accuracy of the image, costs, availability of equipment / parts and where it can be utilized. In theory, there are no situations where any one kind of imaging should not be used. Instead, they are more limited based upon costs. Everyone...

This enables doctors to see the organ and evaluate what is happening. Once this occurs, is when they can treat the patient more effectively by examining in detail the scope of the problem.
2. Questions

How do doctors determine which patients need diagnostic testing? And more importantly, with so many diagnostic options available, how do they choose which test to use? What kinds of factors need to be considered in making that kind of decision?

Doctors will determine diagnostic testing based upon the severity their injury or condition. A specific one is chosen from: what areas they need access to and how this helps to answer any questions they have. The different factors that are considered during the process include: the condition, what is known, what they do not understand and the individual's medical history.

Do we use the same kinds of diagnostic tests today that we used 10 years ago? How do you think doctors keep up with medical advances?

Yes and no, certain ones are still utilized and have evolved. However, others were slowly phased out. The way doctors keep up with the changes is through having continuing education requirements. This is when they have to recertify their licensing by taking additional training. At the same time, physicians can learn on their own about new technology and how to use these tools as a part of their practice.

Most screening tests have guidelines specifying which patients should receive them. How do you think these guidelines are established? In other words, how do doctors determine which groups of patients should have certain screening tests?

The guidelines are based upon the severity of the patient's condition, genetics and age. This is set by established research and…