We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

High Level Biocontainment for Healthcare Facilities

Sharon Medcalf, PhD, Marty Magee MSA, MLS, Peggy Moore, MSEd, and Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd

Sharon Medcalf, PhD, Marty Magee MSA, MLS, Peggy Moore, MSEd, and Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd

The goal of this 4-week course is to equip learners to safely care for a patient infected with a pathogen requiring high-level biocontainment. This can be accomplished in any healthcare facility given the correct approach and protocols.

Please copy and paste the following link into a new tab/browser to view the video overview of our course. http://bit.ly/2bPZ6Cz

In this course, we will:

1. Discuss the essentials of intake screening.

2. Investigate pathogen transmission characteristics and the chain of infection.

Read more

The goal of this 4-week course is to equip learners to safely care for a patient infected with a pathogen requiring high-level biocontainment. This can be accomplished in any healthcare facility given the correct approach and protocols.

Please copy and paste the following link into a new tab/browser to view the video overview of our course. http://bit.ly/2bPZ6Cz

In this course, we will:

1. Discuss the essentials of intake screening.

2. Investigate pathogen transmission characteristics and the chain of infection.

3. Examine patient placement in a facility, as well as the engineering/ administrative controls.

4. Review personal protective equipment worn by the care providers.

5. Evaluate waste management and decontamination protocols.

We look forward to exploring and learning with you!

Dr. Medcalf and University of Nebraska Medical Center Team

This project was funded by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Infection Control Basics and Personal Protection Equipment

Disease Containment: Historical and Modern Era Examples

High Level Biocontainment in Hospitals: The Location and Team

Read more

Biocontainment: Patient Intake and Other Considerations

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores strategies for safely caring for patients with highly contagious diseases, addressing the essential steps and protocols involved

Provides a comprehensive overview of infection control basics, personal protective equipment, and disease containment measures

Examines patient placement and handling within healthcare facilities, considering both engineering and administrative controls to prevent infection spread

Explores waste management and decontamination protocols, emphasizing the importance of proper handling and disposal to minimize infection risks

Taught by experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with extensive knowledge and experience in high-level biocontainment

May require prior knowledge or experience in infection control or healthcare settings for optimal comprehension

Save this course

Save High Level Biocontainment for Healthcare Facilities to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

High level biocontainment for healthcare professionals

Learners say this informative course provides clear and engaging information about establishing and operating High Level Biocontainment Units to isolate patients with outbreak-potential pathogens. The course is highly relevant given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and may be useful to both healthcare professionals and the general public.

Highly recommended if you're planning to implement a High Level Biocontainment Unit.

"Really only for medical practitioners planning to implement a High Level Biocontainment Unit of their own at their facility, but informative nonetheless."

Delivers helpful and practical information through short videos and surveys.

"This course was clear."

"It did a very good job of showing many important details of how to set up a biocontainment unit."

"A good survey with nice short videos that allow you to think about on item at a time."

Course features renowned experts sharing real-world examples.

"Very enjoyable course - the examples were pertinent and instructive especially given the Ebola experience - this organization set the standard!"

"A fantastic informative and educational course that I would recommend to anyone interested in public health. The videos were excellent and the lecturers were brilliant."

"Over all a great intro or refresher. Could do with a more coverage of Infrastructure planning."

Could provide additional coverage on infrastructure planning and include more quizzes.

"Over all a great intro or refresher. Could do with a more coverage of Infrastructure planning."

"I would appreciate more if the quiz sessions would have more questions in the future as I find it not very challenging."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in High Level Biocontainment for Healthcare Facilities with these activities:

Review microbiology basics

Show steps

Refreshing your knowledge of microbiology will provide a solid foundation for understanding infection control concepts.

Browse courses on Microbiology

Show steps

Review your lecture notes or textbooks
Take practice quizzes or tests
Attend a review session or workshop

Read 'Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories'

Show steps

This book provides comprehensive guidance on biosafety practices essential for high-level biocontainment.

View Laboratory biosecurity guidance on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow the book
Read the chapters relevant to the course
Take notes and highlight important information

Build a sandbox environment

Show steps

Creating a sandbox environment will help you practice the skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled setup.

Show steps

Research and choose a virtualization platform
Set up the virtual machine
Install and configure the necessary software
Test the environment

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Practice donning and doffing PPE

Show steps

Regular practice will help you develop proficiency and reduce the risk of contamination.

Show steps

Review the proper procedures for donning and doffing PPE
Find a partner to practice with
Practice donning and doffing PPE multiple times
Get feedback from your partner and make adjustments

Discuss patient management strategies

Show steps

Sharing insights and experiences with peers will enhance your understanding of different approaches.

Show steps

Find a group of peers to discuss with
Choose a specific patient case to discuss
Share your own perspectives and strategies
Listen to and learn from the perspectives of others

Attend a workshop on biocontainment protocols

Show steps

Attending a workshop will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experts.

Show steps

Attend the workshop and actively participate
Research and find a relevant workshop
Register for the workshop

Participate in a biocontainment simulation

Show steps

Participating in a simulation will challenge your knowledge and skills in a realistic setting.

Show steps

Find a simulation to participate in
Prepare for the simulation by reviewing materials
Participate in the simulation and follow instructions
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement

Develop a training module

Show steps

Creating a training module will reinforce your understanding of the material and allow you to share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Training

Show steps

Choose a topic to focus on
Develop a lesson plan
Create the training materials
Test the training module with peers

Career center

Learners who complete High Level Biocontainment for Healthcare Facilities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist's role is to analyze and interpret health data. Their work helps shape reports and policies, investigate disease, and determine best practices. An Epidemiologist would take this course because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Physician

Physicians are licensed healthcare professionals. They can assume a wide range of roles that often share involvement in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. This course may be useful for a Physician because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease, and care procedures for handling highly contagious patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities. They may oversee a variety of tasks, including budgeting, human resources, and patient care. This course may be useful for a Healthcare Administrator because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease, administrative controls, and decontamination protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations. They may work on a variety of projects, including improving patient care, reducing costs, and implementing new technologies. This course may be useful for a Healthcare Consultant because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease, administrative controls, and patient handling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and research laboratories. This course may be useful for a Microbiologist because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Pathologist

Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and research laboratories. This course may be useful for a Pathologist because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pathologist

Public Health Manager

Public Health Managers are responsible for planning and implementing public health programs. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. This course may be useful for a Public Health Manager because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease, and administrative controls.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Manager

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide direct patient care. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course may be useful for a Registered Nurse because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease, and patient handling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, and chemistry. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for a Research Scientist because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Virologist

Virologists study the characteristics and behaviors of viruses. This course may be useful for a Virologist because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virologist

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare professionals. They provide a variety of medical services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. This course may be useful for a Physician Assistant because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionists are responsible for developing and implementing infection control policies and procedures. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course may be useful for an Infection Preventionist because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infection Preventionist

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to the design and development of medical devices and technologies. This course may be useful for a Biomedical Engineer because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Health Educator

Health Educators provide information and education to individuals and groups about health and wellness. This course may be useful for a Health Educator because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Medical Secretary

Medical Secretaries provide administrative support to healthcare professionals. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. This course may be useful for a Medical Secretary because it helps build a foundation in the spread and transmission of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Secretary

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in High Level Biocontainment for Healthcare Facilities.

Cover image

Cover image

CDC Yellow Book 2020

Save

This widely recognized reference provides comprehensive guidance on biosafety practices and procedures in various laboratory settings, including high-level biocontainment facilities.

CDC Yellow Book 2020

CDC Yellow Book 2020

Cover image

Cover image

CDC Yellow Book 2024

Save

This comprehensive manual provides detailed information on the control and prevention of communicable diseases, including those requiring high-level biocontainment measures.

CDC Yellow Book 2024: Health Information for...

Cover image

Cover image

Fenner and White's Medical Virology

Save

This widely used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of medical virology, including the biology of viruses and their interactions with the human host, offering a valuable foundation for understanding viral infections and their management.

Fenner and White's Medical Virology

Fenner and White's Medical Virology

Cover image

Cover image

Viral Pathogenesis

Save

Offers an in-depth understanding of viral pathogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms of viral infection and disease, which is crucial for comprehending the challenges of high-level biocontainment.

Viral Pathogenesis: From Basics to Systems Biology

Viral Pathogenesis: From Basics to Systems Biology

Cover image

Cover image

Preparedness and resilience for emerging threats....

Save

This manual provides practical guidance and recommendations for biosafety practices in healthcare and laboratory settings, including those involving high-level biocontainment.

Preparedness and resilience for emerging threats....

Preparedness and resilience for emerging threats....

Cover image

Cover image

Joint external evaluation of IHR core capacities of...

Save

This guide provides specific strategies and guidance for pandemic influenza preparedness and response, including measures for healthcare facilities facing high-level biocontainment situations.

Joint external evaluation of IHR core capacities of...

Joint external evaluation of IHR core capacities of...

Cover image

Cover image

The Soviet Biological Weapons Program

Save

Focuses on the threats posed by bioterrorism and the measures taken to prepare and respond to biological attacks, including the use of high-level biocontainment facilities.

The Soviet Biological Weapons Program: A History

Cover image

Cover image

Emerging Viruses

Save

Explores emerging viral diseases, their characteristics, and the challenges they present for public health and biocontainment measures.

Emerging Viruses

Cover image

Cover image

Hidden Atrocities

Save

Provides historical insights into the use of biological weapons and the development of biocontainment measures, offering a valuable context for understanding the importance of high-level biocontainment in modern healthcare facilities.

Hidden Atrocities: Japanese Germ Warfare and...

(中文) Hidden Atrocities: Japanese Germ Warfare and...

Hidden Atrocities: Japanese Germ Warfare and...

Cover image

Cover image

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Save

Covers a wide range of topics related to infection control, including emerging infectious diseases, which provides context and background knowledge for understanding the need for high-level biocontainment.

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Clinical Case Studies...

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Clinical Case Studies...

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Copy Link

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.

Effort

4-week course requiring 2-4 hours per week by the learner.

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Nebraska

Instructors

Sharon Medcalf, PhD

Marty Magee MSA, MLS

Peggy Moore, MSEd

Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша

Good to know

Explores strategies for safely caring for patients with highly contagious diseases, addressing the essential steps and protocols involved

Provides a comprehensive overview of infection control basics, personal protective equipment, and disease containment measures

Examines patient placement and handling within healthcare facilities, considering both engineering and administrative controls to prevent infection spread

Explores waste management and decontamination protocols, emphasizing the importance of proper handling and disposal to minimize infection risks

Taught by experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with extensive knowledge and experience in high-level biocontainment

May require prior knowledge or experience in infection control or healthcare settings for optimal comprehension

Share and help others discover this course.

Link

Don't miss out

Enroll today to gain access to this course

Enroll in this course

Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser