Topic 1:  Introduction to HIV Epidemiology, Basic Science, and Guidelines for Primary Medical Care & Public Health Practice.

This 3-module topic is presented in 2 lectures. An introductory review of HIV Epidemiology, basic science, transmission, prevention, clinical & public health system context. The 2 lectures and 3 modules in the topic are as follows:

-Lecture 1: (Topic 1, Module 1): Changes in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Pennsylvania: Inference on changes in population/risk groups, improving survival, increased prevalence and disproportionate impact (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

-Lecture 2: (Topic 1, Modules 2 & 3): Module 2: Introduction to transmission modes and basic medical science (molecular host-virus interaction, vaccine and drug treatment targets), and

-Lecture 3: HHS/PHS/CDC Guidelines for Primary Medical Care & Public Health Practice in the public health system context of HIV disease management (incl. how to access updates for clinicians through the HRSA-funded PA-MidAtlantic AETC HIV training programs); (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

Topic 2:  Linkage of Epidemiologic Case Surveillance of HIV to Prevention/Care Interventions & Address Unmet Need

This topic is offered in 3 modules of progressive complexity as follows:

-Lecture 3: (Topic 2, Module 1): Introductory Concepts (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

--Lecture 4: (Topic 2, Module 2): Issues, Approaches & Models: A Roundtable, Participatory, Comparative Review of Linkage of Epidemiologic Case Surveillance of HIV to Prevention and Care Interventions in contrast to STIs & TB (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

--Lecture 5: (Topic 2, Modules 3): Introduction to Applied HIV Epidemiology Methods: Design, Conduct and Comparative Evaluation of Competing Models for Linkage of Epidemiologic Case Surveillance to Intervention Activities (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

Topic 3:  Principles of Epidemiologic Methods to Address Unmet Needs for HIV-related Primary Medical Care (& Prevention)

The topic is offered in 3 modules as follows:

-Lecture 6 (Topic 3, Module 1): Update on Epidemiologic Studies for Estimation of Unmet Needs for HIV-related Primary Medical Care: (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

-Lecture 7 (Topic 3, Module 2):  Introduction to Applied Epidemiology Methods I: Design, Conduct and Outcome Evaluation of Response Plans & Intervention Programs  (to address unmet needs): (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

-Lecture 8 (Topic 3, Module 3):  Introduction to Applied Epidemiology Methods II: Design, Conduct and Outcome Evaluation of Response Plans & Intervention Programs  (to address unmet needs): (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

Topic 4:  Introduction to Geo-Spatial Mapping in HIV Service Needs & Gap Analyses

This introductory course will introduce and train participants on the use of geo-spatial mapping as an analytical technique for HIV service gap analyses.

This topic is offered in 3 modules of progressive complexity as follows:

-Lecture 9 (Topic 4, Module 1): Introduction to Geo-Spatial Mapping as an Analytical Technique for HIV Service Needs and Gap Analyses; (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

-Lecture 10 (Topic 4, Module 3): Hands-on demonstration of a basic geo-spatial mapping analysis overlaying 2 layers using ArcView-type GIS software; (1.5 hr demo lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

Topic 5:  Ethical Implications of Study Design in Epidemiologic or other Public Health Agency Studies: A primer on pre-IRB and IRB review considerations.

Summary Course Description and Target Audience: The past decade has seen heightened federal demand for evidence-based program planning and public health interventions to combat HIV and other public health threats. Correspondingly, requirements for IRB review of research studies conducted by, in collaboration with or funded by public health agencies have been put in place. This course introduces participants to the ethical implications of commonly used study designs in Epidemiologic research, surveillance-related and other Public Health agency studies. This topic is to be offered in 2 modules as follows:

-Lecture 11 (Topic 5, Module 1): The Why and What of an Institutional Review Board(IRB): why we do ethical reviews of public health research studies, and types of projects/studies that are typically subject to IRB review; (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);

-Lecture 12 (Topic 5, Modules 2 & 3): Module 2: Introduction to ethical implications of Epidemiologic study designs and other commonly used public health agency studies: and Module 3: A guided form for pre-IRB self-review (before IRB submission) AND for IRB Reviewers:  (1.5 hr lecture + 1.5 hr lab);