Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals from Coursera

March 2014 marked the starting point of the largest outbreak of Ebola virus disease in history. Although the disease seems to be on a decrease, we are not there yet and new outbreaks will surely emerge. New efforts to combat the outbreak are necessary. This is why we developed this online course about Ebola, targeted at health professionals across the world.

In this course you will cover the fundamental knowledge any health professional should have with expected or confirmed cases or a general interest in the Ebola disease. You will discuss the epidemiology of the disease, its pathophysiology and transmission, the clinical presentation including differential diagnosis and confirmation of disease. You will also discuss the general therapeutic approach to the care of Ebola suspected or confirmed patients and discuss the novel vaccine and drug developments.

As the Ebola crisis continues to rage through the affected areas, we need health professionals like yourself to be informed and involved.

This course is developed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Amsterdam, the University Medical Center Utrecht (Julius Center/Julius Global Health), Elevate Health, Médecins Sans Frontières and the Lion Heart Foundation.

What's inside

Syllabus

About the course

Here you will find general information about the course. The learning objectives, the structure, the format and the requirements of completion will be presented to you. The course credits and a short survey are part of this first learning unit as well.

Epidemiology

This learning unit describes the epidemiology of Ebola virus disease, past outbreaks and the current West African Ebola outbreak.

Transmission and natural reservoirs

This learning unit describes the probable transmission routes and reservoir(s) of Ebola viruses, which can cause a wide array of symptoms and are often fatal.

Pathophysiology

This unit will focus on what happens when the virus enters and spreads throughout the body.

Clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnosis

In this learning unit, the focus lies on the clinical symptoms you may encounter when examining patients suspected of ebola virus disease (EVD). The modes of infection of Ebola, incubation time, symptoms, lab findings, differential diagnosis, clinical characteristics of the current epidemic, and complications and outcomes will be discussed.

Therapeutic approaches

The primary objective of this learning unit is to provide you with sufficient knowledge on how to fight the Ebola epidemic from a clinical perspective: how is Ebola virus disease (EVD) treated and how can transmission of the virus be prevented? In addition, this unit gives an overview of the experimental therapeutic options and vaccines.

Ebola in the field: The Médecins Sans Frontières experience

In this learning unit you will explore the reality in the field of the care for Ebola patients through the experiences of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Since the start of the Ebola outbreak in West-Africa, MSF has provided care to Ebola patients in Ebola Management Centers (EMCs) across the affected countries Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the interventions in DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Mali, Senegal and Nigeria.

Ebola in the field: confronted with Ebola in an existing hospital of the Lion Heart Foundation in Sierra Leone

In this learning unit an example will be given of what consequences the Ebola outbreak has had in the practice. We present you the tough reality in a NGO hospital in Sierra Leone, hear from its staff and experience their work. While reading you can watch corresponding videos.

Final assignment and survey

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the Ebola virus disease, which is essential for healthcare professionals working in affected areas

Taught by experts from the University of Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht, Elevate Health, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Lion Heart Foundation, who are recognized for their work in Ebola research and response

Provides a comprehensive overview of the Ebola virus disease, from epidemiology to clinical management, making it suitable for healthcare professionals with varying levels of knowledge on the subject

Includes real-world experiences from Médecins Sans Frontières and the Lion Heart Foundation, offering practical insights into the management of Ebola patients in the field

Examines the latest therapeutic approaches and vaccine developments for Ebola virus disease, keeping healthcare professionals up-to-date on the evolving treatment landscape

Requires students to have a basic understanding of medical terminology and concepts related to infectious diseases

Reviews summary

Ebola essential knowledge

According to students, Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals is a well-received and engaging course. Learners appreciate the organization and professionalism of the materials and instructors. While one reviewer was disappointed not to receive a certificate at the end, others found the course to be informative and relevant, especially for health professionals.

The instructors are professional and the material is relevant for health professionals.

"Professional level, and good teachers."

"Awesome information. However, you need to be a health professional to properly appreciate the class."

"Excellent course. I recommend to whoever is interested in Ebola and emerging diseases."

This course is well organized and well put together.

"This course is great and well organized."

"Very well layed out"

This course does not provide a certificate upon completion.

"Great course but no certificate is given after completion"

"I completed course of Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals, but I didn't took my Certificate, Why?"

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 Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals with these activities:

Review epidemiology basics

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Build a foundation for understanding the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases by refreshing your understanding of epidemiology.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Review materials from an introductory epidemiology course or textbook.
Attend a free online workshop or webinar on basic epidemiology concepts.
Read articles on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website about epidemiology.

Review Epidemiology of Ebola

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Stay current on the latest developments in Ebola epidemiology.

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Review the history of Ebola outbreaks.
Discuss the geographic distribution of Ebola.
Identify the risk factors for Ebola infection.

Find a Mentor

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Find an experienced Ebola professional to provide guidance and support.

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Identify potential mentors.
Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their guidance.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.

13 other activities

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Review Fundamentals of Epidemiology by Leon Gordis

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Review the fundamentals of epidemiology to build a strong foundation for understanding the spread and control of Ebola virus disease.

View Epidemiology on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3
Summarize the key concepts of each chapter
Identify the different types of epidemiological studies

Attend an Ebola Preparedness Workshop

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Participate in a workshop to learn about outbreak preparedness and response strategies.

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop
Attend the workshop

Practice Differential Diagnosis of Ebola

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Develop the ability to differentiate Ebola symptoms from other similar illnesses.

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Review the clinical presentation of Ebola
Practice differential diagnosis using case studies

Practice diagnosing Ebola symptoms

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Sharpen your clinical skills and improve your ability to diagnose Ebola accurately by engaging in practice drills.

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Use online resources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) website, to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Ebola.
Study case studies of Ebola patients to understand how the disease manifests in different individuals.
Attend a workshop or training session on Ebola diagnosis.

Design a Poster on Ebola Prevention

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Create a visually appealing poster that communicates key messages about Ebola prevention.

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Gather information about Ebola prevention
Develop a design concept
Create the poster

Follow WHO Guidelines on Ebola Management

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Enhance understanding of best practices in Ebola management by following WHO guidelines.

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Access the WHO website
Review the relevant guidelines
Apply the guidelines in a simulated patient case

Review Pathophysiology of Ebola

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Get to know the basics of what Ebola does to the human body.

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Review the clinical manifestations of Ebola.
Study the mechanisms by which Ebola affects homeostasis.
Understand the different ways Ebola can transmit.
Describe the treatment options for Ebola.

Simulate Ebola Virus Transmission

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Build a model to simulate Ebola virus transmission patterns and explore different control measures.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Define the parameters of the model
Develop the simulation algorithm
Run the simulation
Analyze the results

Case Study: Ebola Response

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Work with peers to develop a comprehensive response plan for an Ebola outbreak.

Browse courses on Ebola

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Review the case study and identify the key challenges.
Brainstorm ideas for how to address the challenges.
Develop a comprehensive response plan.
Present the plan to the group.

Create an Ebola Prevention Plan

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Develop a comprehensive strategy for preventing the spread of Ebola within a community.

Browse courses on Ebola

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Research the current Ebola outbreak and identify the most effective prevention strategies.
Create a plan that outlines the steps that community members can take to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Develop a communication strategy to educate the community about the plan and encourage compliance.
Implement the plan and monitor its effectiveness.
Evaluate the plan and make necessary adjustments.

Develop a Training Module on Ebola Case Management

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Plan and execute a comprehensive training program for health professionals on Ebola case management.

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Define the learning objectives
Develop the module content
Design the training activities
Deliver the training

Volunteer at a Local Healthcare Organization

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Contribute to the fight against Ebola by providing support in a healthcare setting.

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Contact local healthcare organizations
Inquire about volunteer opportunities
Commit to a volunteer schedule

Contribute to the Ebola Response

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Join a team of developers to create a mobile app to help combat Ebola.

Browse courses on Ebola

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Join a team of developers working on an Ebola response project.
Identify a specific problem that the app can solve.
Design and develop the app.
Test and iterate on the app.
Deploy the app and track its impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Infectious Disease Physician

Infectious disease physicians are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a comprehensive overview of EVD, including its epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and treatment. The course is particularly valuable for infectious disease physicians who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infectious Disease Physician

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease outbreaks, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a strong foundation in the epidemiology of EVD, including its transmission, natural reservoirs, and risk factors. The course is particularly valuable for epidemiologists who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses provide education, prevention, and care to communities, including those affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a comprehensive overview of EVD, including its transmission, clinical presentation, and prevention. The course is particularly valuable for public health nurses who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Medical Anthropologist

Medical anthropologists study the social and cultural factors that influence health and disease, including the transmission and prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in the social and cultural aspects of EVD, including its transmission, risk factors, and prevention. The course is particularly valuable for medical anthropologists who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Anthropologist

Global Health Physician

Global health physicians work to improve the health of populations around the world, including those affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a comprehensive overview of EVD, including its epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and treatment. The course is particularly valuable for global health physicians who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Physician

Laboratory Scientist

Laboratory scientists perform tests to diagnose and monitor diseases, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in the laboratory diagnosis of EVD, including the collection, handling, and testing of samples. The course is particularly valuable for laboratory scientists who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical research coordinators manage clinical trials, including trials for experimental treatments for Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in the clinical research process, including the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials. The course is particularly valuable for clinical research coordinators who wish to work on EVD research or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information on their use, including medications used to treat Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in the pharmacology of EVD, including the mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions of antiviral medications. The course is particularly valuable for pharmacists who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Infection Control Nurse

Infection control nurses develop and implement strategies to prevent and control the spread of infections, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in infection control principles and practices, including the use of personal protective equipment, isolation, and disinfection. The course is particularly valuable for infection control nurses who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infection Control Nurse

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians provide emergency medical care, including to patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in the recognition, assessment, and management of EVD patients. The course is particularly valuable for emergency medical technicians who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Medical Technician

Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in health education principles and practices, including the development of educational materials, the delivery of educational programs, and the evaluation of educational outcomes. The course is particularly valuable for health educators who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may be involved in outbreak response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Social Worker

Social workers provide support to individuals and families affected by illness and trauma, including those affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in social work principles and practices, including the provision of counseling, support, and advocacy. The course is particularly valuable for social workers who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Health Worker

Community health workers provide basic health care and education to communities, including those affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in community health principles and practices, including the provision of basic health care, the promotion of healthy behaviors, and the linkage to care. The course is particularly valuable for community health workers who wish to work in regions where EVD is endemic or who may encounter EVD patients in their practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, including organizations that provide services to people affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in nonprofit management principles and practices, including the development of strategic plans, the management of finances, and the evaluation of program outcomes. The course is particularly valuable for nonprofit managers who wish to work in the field of global health or who may be involved in EVD response efforts.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts develop and analyze policies to address public health issues, including Ebola virus disease (EVD). This course provides a foundation in policy analysis principles and practices, including the identification of policy problems, the development of policy solutions, and the evaluation of policy outcomes. The course is particularly valuable for policy analysts who wish to work in the field of global health or who may be involved in EVD response efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst