Population Health and Epidemiology Then and Now
A century ago, epidemiology was a population science that focused on infectious diseases and outbreaks. Pioneered by passionate researchers like John Snow and Florence Nightingale, epidemiologic methods were used to curb the spread of debilitating diseases like cholera and the Spanish Flu. Today epidemiology relates to more than just acute outbreaks of illness; it addresses many chronic population health problems that nurses and other healthcare professionals deal with every day, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
For this assignment, you explore the development and evolution of epidemiology and
population health, as well as nurses’ roles in advancing care at the population level.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
Required Readings
· Curley, A. L. C. (Ed.). (2024). Population-based nursing: Concepts and competencies for advanced practice (4th ed.). Springer.
· Chapter 1, “Introduction to Population-Based Nursing” (pp. 1-19)
· Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021). Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
· Chapter 1, “History and Scope of Epidemiology”
· Chapter 2, “Practical Applications of Epidemiology”
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMRW).Links to an external site. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index.html
· Coles A. B. (1969). The Howard University School of Nursing in historical perspectiveLinks to an external site.. Journal of the National Medical Association, 61(2), 105–118. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2611690/pdf/jnma00516-0005.pdf
· Gallagher, A. (2020). Learning from Florence Nightingale: A slow ethics approach to nursing during the pandemicLinks to an external site.. Nursing Inquiry, 27, e12369. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12369
· Michals, D. (Ed.). (2015). Clara BartonLinks to an external site. . National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/clara-barton
· National Women’s Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Mary BreckinridgeLinks to an external site. . https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/mary-breckinridge/
· Rothberg, E. (2020). Lillian WaldLinks to an external site. . National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/lillian-wald
· Staring-Derks, C., Staring, J. & Anionwu, E.N. (2014). Mary Seacole: Global nurse extraordinaireLinks to an external site.. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(3), 514–525. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12559
· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.). Citations: OverviewLinks to an external site. . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa/citations
· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.). Common assignments: Discussion postLinks to an external site. . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/discussionpost
Required Media
· Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Health with Dr. Letha Thomas
Time Estimate: 3 minutes
To prepare:
· Explore important developments in the history of epidemiology and population health. Consider how current practices differ from those at the genesis of the field.
· Reflect on the role of nurses in promoting population health in the light of the Learning Resources you reviewed this week.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a 400-500 word blog post addressing the following:
· Select two nurses who lived during the 1800s or the early 1900s and explain how this nurse’s dedicated advocacy transformed policies and practices for a specific population, resulting in improved outcomes for the populace.
· Explore the enduring impact of these pioneering initiatives up to the present day. Offer insights into the reasons behind their continuity or evolution and identify factors that triggered changes in their initial implementation.
· Examine the contemporary role of nurses in the advancement of population health. Discuss two effective avenues through which nurses can make a meaningful difference at the population level. Additionally, delve into the pivotal role played by epidemiology in enhancing the well-being of populations.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:
· Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
· Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
· Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
· Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
· Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
· Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSSION POST
Vivian
Epidemiology has transitioned from its early focus on infectious disease control to a more comprehensive approach that includes chronic diseases, mental health, and social determinants of health. Nurses actively shaped this change by promoting policies and practices that addressed the health needs of entire populations. Two famous nurses in public health and epidemiology, Clara Barton and Mary Breckinridge, made their mark in the field in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They continue to shape the field as their work laid the foundation for modern public health.
Clara Barton, who worked as a nurse during the American Civil War, was relentless in her efforts to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief. She
helped the soldiers on the battlefield, seeing that there was insufficient medical supply and proper treatment for the injured soldiers. This earned her the moniker, “The Angel of the Battlefield” ( Clara Barton, 2025). Barton established the American Red Cross after the war in 1881, further broadening its responsibility apart from providing aid during wars to natural calamities, epidemics, and even urgent medical help (Davidson, 2022). The level and nature of her work contributed to establishing and setting the tone for what modern disaster management and emergency healthcare would look like. The Red Cross continues to provide aid and medical help in some of the world’s most vulnerable locations during natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes as well as health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Her advocacy for basic medical training and blood donation schemes have ledto major advancements in population health undertakings and emergency preparedness is much more sophisticated today ( Clara Barton, 2025).
To provide better maternal healthcare in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, Mary Breckinridge set up the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in 1925. She saw that there was a clear shortage of skilled healthcare workers and maternity caregivers in those regions, so she employed nurse-midwives who were adept at providing maternal care (Gulley, 2022). Breckinridge’s efforts resulted in a tremendous improvement in the maternal and infant death ratios in those societies and are regarded as one of the first steps taken toward modern maternity care and rural health systems. Her community-focused nurse primary care and midwifery have shaped contemporary community health systems over the decades. There is no doubt that nurse practitioners and
midwives have been at the forefront of the primary care provided to these communities. It is because of Breckinridge that we can access mobile health services alongside Medicare-funded maternal care programs (Gulley, 2022).
In today’s world, nurses can be seen playing a significant role in improving the overall health of the community through the prevention of diseases at the population level and reducing the gaps in health equity. In schools, chronic illnesses are prevented by vaccination, health examinations, and management of vaccines. Children are taught hygiene, nutrition, and mental health by the school nurse, thereby decreasing the risk of long-lasting health issues. Public health nurses also do outreach activities for smoking cessation, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs to help improve health. And, besides the prevention of illness, nurses work to close the health equity gap by supporting
initiatives that expand healthcare access for the underserved. Clinics operated by nurses, mobile clinics, and home healthcare programs close the missing parts of the service for patients living far from hospitals or medical experts (Flaubert, 2021). Moreover, nurses have also taken a more active role in policy and political advocacy to ensure equitable access to healthcare by reducing barriers such as food lack, housing challenges, and poor environmental conditions.
To track public health phenomena, avert epidemics, and conduct communal health activities, epidemiology proves to be an invaluable resource. Nurses utilize epidemiological tools to monitor infection rates, reduce chronic diseases, and deliver Evidence-Based Medicine. For example, during the
COVID-19 pandemic, nurses participated in contact tracing, education, and vaccination efforts, which exemplifies how involvement in epidemiology assists in the protection of public health (Thacker, 2019).
Nursing innovators such as Clara Barton and Mary Breckinridge have greatly influenced the development of epidemiology and population health – a field that continues to evolve from the profound impact of these nurses. Their memory is kept alive by emergency responders, rural healthcare services, and initiated programs by nurses. Today’s nurses know better, so they use a wide range of epidemiological tools, address the social determinants of health, and advocate for preventative care to enhance the public health of the population. As issues in healthcare become more complex, nurses put themselves in a position where they are the leaders for a healthier population.
References
Clara Barton. (2025). Redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/clara-barton.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqLtqZP-yv1ZDJKdFvHzkUK5Y7j3as2mFqys1OH65DlUOZz8mJzLinks to an external site.
Davidson, A. (2022, September 30). Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/articles/clara-barton-founder-of-the-american-red-cross/
Flaubert, J. (2021). The Role of Nurses in Improving Health Care Access and Quality. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573910/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573910/
Gulley, T. (2022). Review of: Wide Neighborhoods: A Story of the Frontier Nursing Service. Journal of Appalachian Health, 4(1), 61–64. https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0401.07Links to an external site.
Thacker, S. (2019). Epidemiology and Public Health at CDC. Cdc. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5502a2.htm
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