ArticleScherger JE.
J Fam Pract. 1978 Apr;6(4):849-54.
Epidemiologic methods of research can be readily used in family practice. Since the 19th century, family physicians have used epidemiologic methods in making important contributions to the understanding of disease. Using these methods requires an organized practice including patient registers, encounter data, and detailed records. Descriptive studies can define certain characteristics that are related to disease. Case-control and cohort studies can provide evidence for the association of risk factors and disease. A stepwise outline for carrying out a study is presented.