2. health related states or events

historical focus

initially focused on epidemics of communicable diseases, but expanded to include endemic diseases and non communicable infectious disease

mid 20th century onwards

applied to chronic diseases, injuries, birth defects, material- child health, occupation and environmental health

modern focus

• includes behaviour related to health (excersise, seat belt use)

• incoperates molecular methods to examine genetic markers of disease risk

broad definition 

health related states or events encompases anything affecting populaiton wellbeing

Clinicians

concerned with the health of individual patients

clinician repsonsility

to diagnose and treat the individual

epidemiologist

concerned with the health of the community or population

epidemologist responsibility

• identify the exposure of source of illness

• assess the number of others potentially exposed

• evaluate the potential for further spread