Role of epidemiology in occupational dermatology

The role of epidemiology in occupational dermatology is multifaceted, but the goal is to gain useful information from looking at defined populations. Useful information means that the results of observation or study of that population are sufficiently unbiased to be true (valid) for the study population as well as for individuals with similar circumstances (e.g., risk factors or exposures) who were not part of the study (generalizability). The future of epidemiology in occupational skin diseases includes analyzing ongoing studies, developing new studies, and setting up programs for surveillance and screening. There will also be continuing interaction among industry, government, attorneys, and clinicians. Much useful data can be obtained using computers and establishing databases; but the data will be most useful if some of the epidemiologic concepts described are followed. Dermatologists should be encouraged to learn more about epidemiology and to use its methods to enhance both their practice and the quality of studies they may contribute to the medical literature.