CHAPTER 3 Concise Notes: Community Health & Epidemiology

Transmission and Control in Community Health

• Outbreaks (e.g., strep, influenza) are monitored by frontline workers (e.g., school nurses); interventions aim to break transmission cycles.
• Key action: interrupt the cycle to prevent ongoing spread (e.g., temporary school closures during outbreaks).

Accessibility and Proximity to Care

• Community health includes easy access to care; example: in some areas, essential services are within reach, such as 10 minutes on foot to a specialist or hospital.
• Proximity supports timely care and ongoing management.

Vulnerable Populations and Barriers to Help

• People with serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) may have irregular medication adherence and live on the streets; some end up in jail temporarily but may remain nonadherent.
• Older adults often live alone with limited nearby support; pride can prevent asking for help.
• Assumptions about living arrangements (e.g., independent vs. assisted living) can overlook needs; awareness of social determinants is essential.

Patient-Centered Care Considerations

• Caregivers must accommodate sensory and functional needs:
  • Ensure hearing aids are worn when needed.
  • Ensure dentures are in place for eating.
  • Ensure glasses are available for reading and tasks.
• Small barriers can significantly impact safety and daily functioning in care settings.

Epidemiology and Outbreak Thinking

• Outbreaks exemplify epidemiology: identify index case, trace transmission, and assess who else might be affected (e.g., in foodborne illness investigations).
• In closed settings like nursing homes, one case can spread to many residents; outbreak thinking applies to other illnesses as well.
• The exam mindset: use outbreak patterns to understand broader epidemiological concepts and prevention strategies.