Exploring postgraduate epidemiology competencies: Preparing our students for a post-COVID world.

OBJECTIVE: This research sought consensus from both experts and graduates on postgraduate epidemiology competencies. METHODS: In 2021, a two-round online survey using a modified Delphi method was undertaken exploring competencies across six domains. Focus groups were conducted with recent postgraduate epidemiology graduates to assess their viewpoints on learning experiences and employability. RESULTS: Forty-one experts participated in the first Delphi round. Nineteen factors reached consensus (>70% agreement) for importance and feasibility after two survey rounds in the following domains: general epidemiologic methods/concepts (n=8/13), advanced analytic/statistical skills (n=2/7), applied epidemiology/specialised fields (n=1/4), professional/transferrable skills (n=5/14), general public health knowledge/skills (n=2/4), independent research and work-integrated learning (n=1/3). Nine graduates participated in focus groups. A main theme was the substantial value gained in undertaking a dissertation, acknowledging its benefit for applying research skills and for networking opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure that high-quality epidemiological research and practice continues, we need consensus on the set of essential skills required of graduating students. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Competencies for postgraduate epidemiology students require periodic review to safeguard a workforce that can meet emerging challenges and work across academia, research, policy, and practice.

DOES TREATMENT ALLEVIATE LYMPHEDEMA SYMPTOMS? A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY EVALUATING PATIENT PERSPECTIVES.

Most studies evaluating lymphedema treatment effect focus on objective reductions in limb volume, with little attention given to subjective treatment outcomes. The objective of this work was to describe the range of lymphedema symptoms experienced by patients and the importance of symptom improvement following treatment. The second aim was to explore lymphedema treatment use and the effect of individual treatments on symptoms, from the patient's perspective. Australian adults with lymphedema (n = 421) completed a self-administered questionnaire. Information was collected about patients' symptoms, the importance of symptom improvement following treatment, as well as treatment types used and perceived effectiveness of each treatment. In addition to swelling, the vast majority of participants experienced heaviness and tightness in the affected region. Overall, symptoms of lymphedema varied between individuals but the majority considered subjective symptom improvement to be an important outcome of treatment. The most commonly used treatments were compression garments, self- massage, prescribed exercises, and manual lymph drainage, and the majority (95%) of participants had used multiple treatments to manage their lymphedema. The impact of treatments on subjective symptoms varies widely between treatments. Consequently, in addition to objective measures of swelling, it is important to include patient-reported outcomes in future prospective lymphedema treatment studies.