Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters from Coursera

In humanitarian settings, mental ill-health is powerfully inter-connected with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with NCD prevention and care might therefore be useful, both to be more effective, and to require fewer resources. There is, however, a lack of widely accepted guidelines that take this into account, and this course is intended to draw attention to that issue.

Attention to NCDs focused initially on four major disease categories (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer) and four groups of associated risk factors (unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol). Recently, mental ill-health has been considered as the fifth NCD and environmental determinant as the fifth risk factor for NCDs – known as ‘5-by-5’ conditions.

The course has a threefold aim: i) to explore evidence of interaction between mental ill-health and other NCDs and the role of psychosocial support in humanitarian response; ii) to explore what is being done and where; what level the determinants of health are being addressed at and the integration of mental health and psychosocial support or MHPSS and NCD prevention and care in humanitarian response; and iii) to identify and explore challenges, opportunities and lessons learned for integrating MHPSS and NCD prevention and care in humanitarian response.

The MOOC will be led by a course leader from the University of Copenhagen in close collaboration with academic teachers, the Danish Red Cross and IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, Copenhagen, Denmark.

What's inside

Syllabus

Overview of MHPSS and NCD Prevention and Care in Humanitarian Response

This module will provide you with an overview of MHPSS and NCD prevention and care in humanitarian response. We will start by discussing the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health and the burden and risk factors associated with mental ill-health and other NCDs globally and in humanitarian settings. Then we will discuss the shift from the 4x4 approach (four major NCDs plus four modifiable risk factors) to the 5x5 approach (including mental ill-health and environmental risk factors). Consequently, we will explore factors that worsen mental ill-health in humanitarian responses as well as the role of psychosocial support in improving mental health and well-being. Finally, we will discuss the nature and role of agency in recovery from mental ill-health and other NCDs.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides an overview of mental health integration with NCD prevention and care

Explores strategies for MHPSS and NCD integration in primary health care

Discusses opportunities and lessons learned in integrating MHPSS and NCD prevention and care

Led by the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Red Cross, this course provides access to experts in the field

Reviews summary

Integrated mental health in humanitarian emergencies

According to students, this course offers an invaluable and timely overview of integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in humanitarian settings. Many found the content well-structured and highly relevant for public health and aid professionals, particularly appreciating the focus on the critical 5x5 approach and the knowledgeable instructors. While it provides a strong theoretical framework and is considered essential for understanding complex issues like ethical dilemmas and COVID-19's impact, some learners noted its academic approach. A few mentioned a desire for more practical tools and detailed clinical examples, suggesting it's best for those with some prior background rather than absolute beginners.

Ideal for those with prior public health or humanitarian experience.

"It's a solid foundation, but perhaps not for those new to the field without prior exposure to public health concepts."

"Great for professionals looking to broaden their understanding."

"As someone already working in humanitarian response, it reinforced many concepts and introduced the '5x5' approach clearly."

Instructors demonstrate deep subject matter knowledge.

"The instructors were knowledgeable, and the course material was up-to-date."

"Excellent course, very well organized and presented. The instructors clearly have a deep understanding of the subject matter."

"The University of Copenhagen and Red Cross collaboration really shone through in the quality and relevance of the material."

Covers crucial MHPSS integration and NCDs in humanitarian contexts.

"Absolutely essential for anyone working in humanitarian aid or public health. The modules on the 5x5 approach and psychosocial support were incredibly valuable."

"A very timely and relevant course, especially with global emergencies. The emphasis on mental health as a core NCD is crucial."

"A groundbreaking course on a vital topic! The integration of MHPSS and NCDs is not often covered in such depth. I gained a lot from it."

Generally well-organized, but some desired more interactivity.

"While the topic is very important, I found the academic language sometimes a bit dense, making it harder to engage."

"The content is important, but the pacing felt uneven. Some sections were rushed, others dragged."

"I think the course would benefit from more interactive elements or opportunities for discussion beyond just reading."

Provides a strong theoretical framework but less direct practical application.

"While it discusses important concepts, I felt it stayed too theoretical. It felt more like an academic lecture series than a practical training."

"I expected more practical tools for immediate application in the field. I needed concrete strategies for addressing mental health in emergencies."

"Some of the content felt a bit high-level, and I wished for more in-depth clinical examples, but as an introduction, it's excellent."

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 Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters with these activities:

Practice Basic Psychosocial Support (PSS) techniques

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Reinforce your understanding of basic Psychosocial Support (PSS) techniques by practicing them in a simulated scenario.

Browse courses on Psychosocial Support

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Review the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines on PSS
Set up a role-play scenario that simulates a humanitarian crisis
Practice providing PSS to individuals or groups affected by the crisis
Facilitate a debriefing session to reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement

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Career center

Learners who complete Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychologist

Psychologists provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals and families. They also work with patients to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing mental health conditions. This course can help Psychologists understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals and families. They also work with patients to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing mental health conditions. This course can help Mental Health Counselors understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Social Workers provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals and families. They also work with patients to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing mental health conditions. This course can help Clinical Social Workers understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

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Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide education and support to individuals and families in their communities. They work with patients to improve their health and well-being, and to connect them with resources. This course can help Community Health Workers understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families. They work with patients to improve their social and economic well-being, and to connect them with resources. This course can help Social Workers understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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Health Educator

Health Educators provide education and support to individuals and communities to improve their health and well-being. They work with patients to develop healthy habits, and to manage chronic health conditions. This course can help Health Educators understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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Physician

Physicians provide medical care and treatment to patients. They work with patients to diagnose and manage their health conditions, and to provide emotional support and guidance. This course can help Physicians understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care and support to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with patients to manage their health conditions, and to provide emotional support and guidance. This course can help Nurses understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help patients to improve their physical and cognitive function. They work with patients to develop skills that will help them to live independently and to participate in meaningful activities. This course can help Occupational Therapists understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help patients to improve their physical function. They work with patients to develop exercises and strategies for managing their pain and disability. This course can help Physical Therapists understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

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Case Manager

Case Managers coordinate care and services for chronically ill patients. The course, Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters, may be useful for learning how to work with patients who have both physical and mental health conditions. The course can help Case Managers understand the importance of mental health screenings and interventions, as well as how to provide support and resources to patients and their families.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists help patients to improve their communication skills. They work with patients to develop strategies for managing their speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. This course can help Speech-Language Pathologists understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

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Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help patients to return to work or school after an illness or injury. They work with patients to develop a plan for their future and to provide support and guidance. This course can help Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

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Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors provide therapy and counseling to individuals struggling with substance abuse. They work with patients to develop strategies for managing their addiction and to improve their overall health and well-being. This course can help Substance Abuse Counselors understand the unique challenges faced by chronically ill patients, and how to provide effective support and treatment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also work with patients to manage their medications and to monitor their health. This course can help Pharmacists understand the importance of mental health and how to provide support and resources to chronically ill patients.

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