Classical and Rapid Assessment Methods in Eye Care - myassignmenthelp

Question: How do you compare and contrast rapid assessment studies and classical epidemiological studies? Answer: Both conventional and rapid assessment (RA) methods are employed in studies that are of public health importance. They offer valuable information that will guide decisions for the planning of public health service delivery. The two methods complement each other whereby the standard sets the initial baseline of study, and then RA is applied in assessing their outcomes. The two approaches, however, differ in that standard method is expensive and resource demanding while the RA utilizes fewer resources and takes a short time to provide the data required. RA being quick and cost-efficient, it is possible to repeat the study to ascertain the changing trends in malady burden (Marmamula, Keeffe, and Rao, 2012, 416). In using RA, the areas with an urgent need of the services are prioritized (Limburg, Bah, and Johnson, 2001, 82). For selecting the appropriate RA method the local needs and context are considered hence prioritization unlike in classical methods. References Limburg, H., Bah, M. and Johnson, G.J., 2001. Trial of the trachoma rapid assessment methodology in the Gambia. Ophthalmic epidemiology, 8(2-3), pp.73-85. Marmamula, S., Keeffe, J.E. and Rao, G.N., 2012. Rapid assessment methods in eye care: An overview. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 60(5), p.416.