South Caucasus Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (SC/FELTP), NCDC, #9 Asatiani Street 0177, Tbilisi, Georgia.
J Public Health Policy. 2012 Nov;33(4):390-400. doi: 10.1057/jphp.2012.35. Epub 2012 Sep 13.
Integration of laboratory training into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) began in 2004 and has advanced the training of laboratory scientists worldwide on the basic principles of epidemiology, disease surveillance, and outbreak investigation. The laboratory component of the FE(L)TP training has traditionally been disease specific, revolving around classroom and bench training on laboratory methods, and field placement in areas where services are needed. There is however a need to improve the integration of epidemiology elements used in surveillance, outbreak investigation, and evaluation activities with specific measurable laboratory activities that could in turn impact the overall disease surveillance and response. A systematic and clear evaluation guideline for the laboratory components of disease surveillance systems alongside the corresponding epidemiological indicators can better identify, address, and mitigate weaknesses that may exist in the entire surveillance system, and also help to integrate and standardize the FE(L)TP curriculum content. The institution of laboratory Quality Management System principles linked to a comprehensive surveillance evaluation scheme will result in improved disease surveillance, response, and overall laboratory capacity over time.
实验室培训与疾病预防控制中心（CDC）现场流行病学培训计划（FETP）的整合始于 2004 年，它促进了全球实验室科学家对流行病学、疾病监测和疫情调查基本原理的培训。FETP 培训的实验室部分传统上是针对特定疾病的，围绕着实验室方法的课堂和实验室内培训，以及在需要服务的领域进行实地实习。然而，需要改进将监测、疫情调查和评估活动中使用的流行病学要素与具体的可衡量的实验室活动结合起来，这反过来又可能影响整体疾病监测和应对工作。一个针对疾病监测系统实验室部分的系统且明确的评估准则，以及相应的流行病学指标，可以更好地识别、处理和减轻整个监测系统中可能存在的弱点，同时还有助于整合和标准化 FETP 课程内容。将实验室质量管理体系原则与全面的监测评估方案联系起来，将随着时间的推移提高疾病监测、应对和整体实验室能力。
