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Martin P. Grobusch and Joyce L. Browne

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.

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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.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Essential ebola knowledge for health pros

According to learners, this course provides essential and highly relevant knowledge on Ebola, particularly for health professionals and students. Many found the content to be informative, clear, and concise, noting its value for updating or reinforcing their understanding of the topic. The course structure is frequently described as well-organized and easy to follow, offering practical insights. While the core information is considered solid, a few reviewers mentioned that specific details regarding the latest outbreaks or therapeutic developments could be more current, and some felt it might be basic for highly experienced professionals.
Excellent for general health pros/students.
"I recommend it for health professional students or medical professionals to expand knowledge on ebola."
"informative but a bit too basic for experienced health professionals. Good for students though."
"Perfect introductory course for non-specialists."
"Highly recommended for all medical professionals."
Provides practical, applicable information.
"It is a very useful course, giving practical information that can be applied."
"A must do for all health care professionals. It gives the needed information and practical skills for managing ebola."
"brinda informacion practica y aplicable a la realidad."
Information is clear and organized.
"well structured and provides clear and concise information about Ebola."
"Very informative, complete and up to date as far as possible considering the subject. Very interesting, well produced, helpful."
"Very useful, well structured, practical and informative."
"The course structure was excellent, very complete and didactic."
Content is very useful and relevant.
"Highly relevant, timely, and well-done. ... this course helped fill in some gaps and update my knowledge."
"Very informative course... A great value for medical professionals wanting to update their knowledge on the subject."
"Excellent course. Very informative and concise. ... It is very useful."
"A must do for all health care professionals. It gives the needed information..."
Specific outbreak/therapy info may need update.
"I wish there was more information about the latest research and therapeutic developments."
"A bit outdated regarding current outbreaks information."
"While informative, it could benefit from more up-to-date details on very recent developments."

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
Build a foundation for understanding the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases by refreshing your understanding of epidemiology.
Browse courses on Epidemiology
Show steps
  • 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
Stay current on the latest developments in Ebola epidemiology.
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Show steps
  • Review the history of Ebola outbreaks.
  • Discuss the geographic distribution of Ebola.
  • Identify the risk factors for Ebola infection.
Find a Mentor
Find an experienced Ebola professional to provide guidance and support.
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 16 activities
Review Fundamentals of Epidemiology by Leon Gordis
Review the fundamentals of epidemiology to build a strong foundation for understanding the spread and control of Ebola virus disease.
View Epidemiology on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3
  • Summarize the key concepts of each chapter
  • Identify the different types of epidemiological studies
Attend an Ebola Preparedness Workshop
Participate in a workshop to learn about outbreak preparedness and response strategies.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop
Practice Differential Diagnosis of Ebola
Develop the ability to differentiate Ebola symptoms from other similar illnesses.
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Show steps
  • Review the clinical presentation of Ebola
  • Practice differential diagnosis using case studies
Practice diagnosing Ebola symptoms
Sharpen your clinical skills and improve your ability to diagnose Ebola accurately by engaging in practice drills.
Show steps
  • 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
Create a visually appealing poster that communicates key messages about Ebola prevention.
Browse courses on Prevention
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  • Gather information about Ebola prevention
  • Develop a design concept
  • Create the poster
Follow WHO Guidelines on Ebola Management
Enhance understanding of best practices in Ebola management by following WHO guidelines.
Show steps
  • Access the WHO website
  • Review the relevant guidelines
  • Apply the guidelines in a simulated patient case
Review Pathophysiology of Ebola
Get to know the basics of what Ebola does to the human body.
Show steps
  • 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
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
Work with peers to develop a comprehensive response plan for an Ebola outbreak.
Browse courses on Ebola
Show steps
  • 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
Develop a comprehensive strategy for preventing the spread of Ebola within a community.
Browse courses on Ebola
Show steps
  • 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
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
Contribute to the fight against Ebola by providing support in a healthcare setting.
Show steps
  • Contact local healthcare organizations
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Commit to a volunteer schedule
Contribute to the Ebola Response
Join a team of developers to create a mobile app to help combat Ebola.
Browse courses on Ebola
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Ebola: Essential Knowledge for Health Professionals.
This guide provides information on the clinical management of Ebola virus disease, as well as infection control and prevention measures. It is written by experts in the field, and is an essential resource for healthcare professionals working in areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring.
This guide provides information on how to communicate with the public about Ebola virus disease. It is written by experts in the field, and is an essential resource for public health professionals working in areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring.
This guide provides information on how to conduct surveillance and contact tracing for Ebola virus disease. It is written by experts in the field, and is an essential resource for public health professionals working in areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring.
This guide provides information on how to train healthcare workers on Ebola virus disease. It is written by experts in the field, and is an essential resource for public health professionals working in areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring.
This guide provides information on how to manage Ebola virus disease in animals. It is written by experts in the field, and is an essential resource for veterinarians working in areas where Ebola outbreaks are occurring.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Ebola virus, including its history, biology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the science of the Ebola virus and the challenges of containing it.

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