Melbourne EpiCentre
The Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Health Services Research
- a partnership between Melbourne Health and The University of Melbourne |
The Meaning of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of disease(s) in human populations. The way in which disease frequents the population is often calculated and associated to distinct characteristics of individuals or their surroundings. The term Epidemiology originates from the Greek terms epi (among), demos (people) and ology (the study of). Epidemiologists investigate the difference between those who acquire disease and those who escape it by examining both ill and healthy people.
The Broad Street pump (pictured) is a symbol of the links between clinical practice and public health epidemiological research. In response to a Cholera outbreak in Soho, London, Dr John Snow removed the handle of the Broad Street Pump in September 1854. As a result, the cholera epidemic was suppressed. Since then, the pump has remained the emblem of Epidemiology.
Clinical Epidemiology
"... the application of epidemiological principles and methods to problems encountered in clinical medicine. The basic purpose of clinical epidemiology is to foster methods of clinical observation and interpretation that lead to valid conclusions".
Fletcher RH, et.al. Eds. Clinical Epidemiology: the essentials. 2nd Edition.
Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia. 1988.
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Mission
The mission of the unit is to provide leadership in clinical epidemiology and health services research, and to contribute to improving the quality and safety of healthcare for Melbourne Health patients and the broader community.
Melbourne EpiCentre aims to be a centre of excellence for research, teaching and professional practice in the health disciplines of clinical epidemiology and health services research and evaluation, by providing evidence-based medicine training, undertaking health service evaluation and providing consultant expert support for clinical research study design and biostatistics.
Our guiding principles are: promoting best practice in clinical care, promoting best practice in research and evaluation methods, actively collaborating with clinicians, valuing and respecting the diversity of professional clinical experience.
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Aims
To promote and provide leadership in the teaching, research and practice of evidence-based medicine
- To promote and provide leadership in public health and health services research
- To promote and provide leadership in integration of evidence into practice
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Objectives
The objectives of Melbourne EpiCentre are to:
- Support evidence based skills acquisition through teaching and research activities
- Support research needs of Melbourne Health undergraduate students and postgraduate health care professionals
- Initiate and collaborate in public health and health services research opportunities within and external to Melbourne Health
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Activities of the unit
In order to achieve the stated aims and objectives, Melbourne EpiCentre undertakes a variety of activities.
Teaching
Melbourne EpiCentre provides a formal teaching program to advanced medical science (AMS) students enrolled in the department of Surgery at Melbourne Health. The unit contributes to undergraduate programs in evidence-based practice, delivered by the School of Population Health Melbourne University, and acts as a resource for clinicians, trainees and undergraduates at Melbourne Health.
Research Support
Melbourne EpiCentre staff contribute to supporting research activities by members of Melbourne Health. This includes research study design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data management and analysis and report and paper writing.
Expert Consultation
Members of the Melbourne EpiCentre contribute to Melbourne Health quality and safety activities through representation on hospital committees and providing expert consultation to project teams.
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