Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology

Abstract Aim Field epidemiology plays a critical role in investigating disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. This editorial revisits the evolving landscape of field epidemiology, focusing on the increasing reliance on secondary data and the challenges this shift introduces. Subject and me...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ehsan Allah Kalteh, Mohammad Hassan Lotfi, Fatemeh Shakeri Shamsi, Hossein Akhondi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-08-01
Series:Discover Social Science and Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00275-5
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849235253925773312
author Ehsan Allah Kalteh
Mohammad Hassan Lotfi
Fatemeh Shakeri Shamsi
Hossein Akhondi
author_facet Ehsan Allah Kalteh
Mohammad Hassan Lotfi
Fatemeh Shakeri Shamsi
Hossein Akhondi
author_sort Ehsan Allah Kalteh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Aim Field epidemiology plays a critical role in investigating disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. This editorial revisits the evolving landscape of field epidemiology, focusing on the increasing reliance on secondary data and the challenges this shift introduces. Subject and method We distinguish Applied Epidemiology from Field Epidemiology, particularly in the Iranian context, and venture into broader implications where necessary. Emphasis is placed on the expanding use of secondary sources of data, such as electronic health records and vast health databases, along with technological advances that influence field engagement. A comparative table is utilized to describe differences. Result While secondary data improves efficiency and cost-effectiveness, direct field investigation remains irreplaceable in managing emerging diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental threats. The shift is most pronounced in countries like Iran, where technological and institutional transitions have reshaped epidemiological practices. Conclusion A hybrid model combining traditional field investigation with modern data analytics is essential to enhance public health responsiveness and research quality. Policy frameworks and training curricula should reflect this integration.
format Article
id doaj-art-d897832048f04f55bd2b7be4b19e8471
institution Kabale University
issn 2731-0469
language English
publishDate 2025-08-01
publisher Springer
record_format Article
series Discover Social Science and Health
spelling doaj-art-d897832048f04f55bd2b7be4b19e84712025-08-20T04:02:50ZengSpringerDiscover Social Science and Health2731-04692025-08-01511410.1007/s44155-025-00275-5Changes in the landscape of field epidemiologyEhsan Allah Kalteh0Mohammad Hassan Lotfi1Fatemeh Shakeri Shamsi2Hossein Akhondi3Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesAbstract Aim Field epidemiology plays a critical role in investigating disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. This editorial revisits the evolving landscape of field epidemiology, focusing on the increasing reliance on secondary data and the challenges this shift introduces. Subject and method We distinguish Applied Epidemiology from Field Epidemiology, particularly in the Iranian context, and venture into broader implications where necessary. Emphasis is placed on the expanding use of secondary sources of data, such as electronic health records and vast health databases, along with technological advances that influence field engagement. A comparative table is utilized to describe differences. Result While secondary data improves efficiency and cost-effectiveness, direct field investigation remains irreplaceable in managing emerging diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental threats. The shift is most pronounced in countries like Iran, where technological and institutional transitions have reshaped epidemiological practices. Conclusion A hybrid model combining traditional field investigation with modern data analytics is essential to enhance public health responsiveness and research quality. Policy frameworks and training curricula should reflect this integration.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00275-5Field epidemiologyApplied epidemiologyPublic health practiceSecondary dataHealth informatics
spellingShingle Ehsan Allah Kalteh
Mohammad Hassan Lotfi
Fatemeh Shakeri Shamsi
Hossein Akhondi
Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
Discover Social Science and Health
Field epidemiology
Applied epidemiology
Public health practice
Secondary data
Health informatics
title Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
title_full Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
title_fullStr Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
title_full_unstemmed Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
title_short Changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
title_sort changes in the landscape of field epidemiology
topic Field epidemiology
Applied epidemiology
Public health practice
Secondary data
Health informatics
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00275-5
work_keys_str_mv AT ehsanallahkalteh changesinthelandscapeoffieldepidemiology
AT mohammadhassanlotfi changesinthelandscapeoffieldepidemiology
AT fatemehshakerishamsi changesinthelandscapeoffieldepidemiology
AT hosseinakhondi changesinthelandscapeoffieldepidemiology