Clinical epidemiology
Clinical Epidemiology
Clinical epidemiology (pronounced: kli-ni-kal epi-de-mi-ol-o-gy) is a branch of Epidemiology that focuses on patient-oriented strategies within healthcare settings. The term is derived from the Greek words "klinikos" (pertaining to the bed), "epi" (upon), "demos" (people), and "logos" (study).
Clinical epidemiology applies epidemiological methods to clinical problems. It is used to identify risk factors for disease and determine optimal treatment strategies for improving clinical practice. It is a basic science of evidence-based medicine and is used to perform clinical trials, meta-analysis, and health services research.
History
The term "Clinical Epidemiology" was first used in the 20th century, although the concept has been applied in medicine for centuries. The field has evolved over time, with significant contributions from various researchers and healthcare professionals.
Key Concepts
- Epidemiological Methods: These are statistical techniques used to study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
- Risk Factors: These are characteristics that increase the likelihood of developing a medical condition or disease.
- Clinical Trials: These are research investigations in which people volunteer to test new treatments, interventions or tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage various diseases or medical conditions.
- Meta-Analysis: This is a statistical technique for combining the findings from independent studies.
- Health Services Research: This is the multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to healthcare, the quality and cost of healthcare, and ultimately our health and well-being.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clinical epidemiology
- Wikipedia's article - Clinical epidemiology
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