BACKGROUND

Understanding the epidemiology of infectious disease outbreaks is an important component of an introductory epidemiology unit.  This study uses a cluster randomised trial to compare two approaches to the tutorial component of teaching infectious disease epidemiology at Masters level, with a particular focus on assessing the extent to which students perceive the scenarios prepare them for being able to apply what they have learned.

METHODS

For both scenarios, students are presented with information in stages.  In between, students have to complete tasks such as establishing a case definition, considering what actions might be taken, developing an epidemic curve, identifying main candidates for potential sources of the infection, conducting simple stratified analyses, identifying the actual cause and considering appropriate public health interventions.  The original scenario is entirely paper-based and completed by students individually prior to the tutorial, with class discussion in the tutorial.  The second scenario involves a series of videos presented in the tutorial, with discussions and small-group activities during the class.  All students will undertake both tutorial scenarios, tutorial groups being randomised in terms of the order in which the students complete the two scenarios.  Students and tutors are surveyed after each of the tutorials, and focus groups will be held separately with students and tutors once all students and tutors have completed both tutorials.

RESULTS

The trial is being undertaken in the first half of 2026 and preliminary results will be available for presentation.  Involvement in the trial also provides a practical demonstration to students of how a cluster randomised trial is undertaken.

CONCLUSION

It is expected the study will provide useful guidance in terms of approaches to teaching post-graduate students about the epidemiology of infectious disease outbreaks.