Learning objectives

The teaching aims to provide students with the main methods to build databases and database linkage for health analysis and the methodology and tools to develop an evidence-based public health approach. It also introduces students to the use of software for epidemiological statistical analysis.

- Describe the fundamental components of a calculation tool.
- Effectively “feed” dashboards/databases in order to inform decisions and subsequent evidence/data-driven systems for evaluating efficiency and effectiveness.
- Describe the steps of evidence-based practice and its contribution in shared public health and prevention decision making.
- Recognise primary, secondary-integrative sources of scientific information and bibliographic search systems; and interpret the main national and international guidelines in the field of prevention and health promotion and the main bibliographic research methods.
- Understand and analyse the characteristics and elements of major study designs: epidemiological, experimental, and qualitative research designs.
- Interpret and set up measures of association, tests of sensitivity and specificity of a test, likelihood, and ROC curve.
- Recognise and analyse techniques for developing and conducting an interview.
- Develop and administer a questionnaire.
- Recognise and administer the features of qualitative and quantitative research, with special attention to tools and methods.


Examination methods: To pass the exam, students will have to:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify the characteristics of an epidemiological study and interpret the statistical processing performed.
- Demonstrate in the computer room that they can effectively set up a bibliographical search in PubMed with free keywords and MESH terms starting from PICO.
- Elaborate and simulate the conduction of an interview and the administration of a questionnaire.
- Consult and interpret an evidence-based guideline.