This document provides an overview of how to critically assess a research article which uses quantitative, data-driven mathematical modelling to examine infectious disease transmission. Included is a Quick Reference Guide which aligns with the process of quantitative model development and the format of research articles and is meant to assist in a critical review of the research.
Publications
Insights for Public Health’s Use of Mobility Data
This case study highlights one team’s experience of using mobile device data to help inform a public health response. Their story provides public health decision-makers, managers, epidemiologists, policy analysts and others with insights and lessons that can help prepare them for working with big data.
Maximizing the impact of limited vaccine supply under different early epidemic conditions: a 2-city modelling analysis of monkeypox transmission among men who have sex with men
This study sought to explore how different epidemic conditions could affect optimal allocation of a limited supply of mpox vaccines across 2 partially connected GBMSM networks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Modelling with an Equity Lens
This fact sheet summarizes some key opportunities and challenges of using disaggregated data to model infectious disease with an equity lens.
Infectious Disease Modelling with an Equity Lens
This fact sheet describes infectious disease modelling with an equity lens. It provides a definition, offers examples of disaggregation, and highlights the characteristics of infectious diseases transmission that can be influenced by population dynamics.
Big Data Basics Infographic
This infographic overviews big data in Public health. It explains basic big data concepts, types of datasets and how public health uses this technology.
Mathematical Modelling in Public Health Planning: Flu Vaccine
In public health, mathematical modelling helps us answer difficult, real-world questions and understand complex relationships between biological, demographic, and environmental factors. Modelling helps answer infectious disease-related questions like “What is the best vaccine to protect an elderly population at increased risk of infection from seasonal influenza?” Modellers interpret the model outcomes and draw conclusions to…
Mathematical Modelling in Public Health: Tuberculosis
In public health, mathematical modelling helps us answer difficult, real-world questions and understand complex relationships between biological, demographic, and environmental factors. Modelling helps answer infectious disease-related questions like “What are the potential effects of three different interventions on a specific disease?” Modellers interpret the model outcomes and draw conclusions to make accurate, evidence-driven and transparent…
NCCID Special Post: Transmissibility of the initial cluster of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China
Mathematical modelling can provide timely evidence to guide decision-making. As public health planners strive to prepare for potential outbreaks of COVID-19, this quantification can help identify the type and intensity of control measures required to mitigate infection spread.
Behind the Curtain of Mathematical Modelling : Inside a collaborative modelling project on public health strategies for syphilis management
Case study on the application of mathematical modelling to assess the impact of a newly-designed intervention on the burden of syphilis in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Their story illustrates how mathematical modelling can provide timely evidence to guide decision-making by public health planners and practitioners throughout the implementation of a new intervention.
The lessons they share may help to demystify modelling and reveal the benefits of collaborations between modellers and public health personnel.
Glossary of Terms for Infectious Disease Modelling: A Proposal for Consistent Language
A glossary of terms with their definitions that can be used to conceptualize and parameterize models consistent with those applied in public health, epidemiology, and clinical settings related to infectious diseases.
Effectiveness of School Closure for the Control of Influenza: A Review of Recent Evidence
School closures continue to be considered by public health as a way to manage the spread and severity of influenza. This project provides an up-to-date review and assessment of studies on the effectiveness of closing schools.