How are Metrics Used in Public Health Decision-Making?
Evaluation metrics are integral to public health decision-making as they provide data-driven evidence to guide strategies and policies. For example: - Incidence and prevalence data help in identifying high-risk populations and regions requiring targeted interventions. - Mortality and CFR metrics assist in prioritizing diseases that demand urgent attention. - R0 informs vaccination strategies and social distancing measures to control infectious disease outbreaks. - Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV guide the selection and implementation of diagnostic tests and screening programs.