course material

1. Applications of Epidemiology a Case Study
Applications of Epidemiology—A Case StudyScenarioThe situation at the regional Good
Health Hospital has become overwhelming since the outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in
Ward 10 on the second floor. It appears that there are six cases of the disease. To better
understand the situation, communication with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has revealed that this particular bacterium can be found in many everyday
items. The CDC recommends that investigation begin in the hospital kitchens because E. coli
can be transmitted via contaminated vegetables, as well as delicatessen meats such as
salami and other cold cuts. The following table shows the number of cases identified so
far:After a meeting yesterday with the chief administrator, Joe Wellborn, it has been decided
that the litigation issues with one of the patients may need further information to determine
whether the patient was already symptomatic with the bacteria before admission. Research
has indicated that hospitals operating in the Tampa Bay area have been known to have
cases of E. coli contamination. This substantiates the need for further investigations by the
county health department. Due to the severity of the cases and the potential for further
spread, it is recommended that the hospital seek alternative vending services because the
present suppliers cannot verify sanitation protocols for their products. In conclusion, the
study done at Good Health Hospital has indicated that the E. coli outbreak was in fact caused
by spoiled food from the cafeteria. As a social science researcher working for the regional
hospital, you are placed in charge of contacting the department of health (DOH) from your
home state, as well as the CDC for statistical data on nosocomial diseases (diseases starting
in a hospital) that frequently cause illness at your health care facility. Using information
from both agencies, evaluate the data on common nosocomial diseases and compile a
treatment contingency plan for dealing with the hospital infections.Assignment
InstructionsWrite a 5 page evaluation report in which you do the following:Analyze Good
Health Hospital’s records and itemize recent nosocomial infections that occurred within the
past year. In your report, categorize the different parameters (that is, person, time, place,
ethnicity, and gender) used in the compilation of data into the information
summative.Propose at least six questions for the health care administrator at Good Health
Hospital regarding potential litigation issues with infections from the nosocomial diseases.
In the report, rationalize the logic behind the six questions.Identify a targeted audience
within Good Health Hospital and prepare an implementation plan based on a hypothetical
meeting with the hospital health care administrator. Propose four steps that will be useful
in the final implementation plan.Suggest at least five recommendations to the department

2. head based on the steps taken in the implementation plan. Provide a rationale for
suggestions.Design a safety protocol itinerary that must be placed in public access areas of
the hospital, using these approved recommendations.