Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic from edX

This fully online course is intended to prepare surgical care providers to deliver surgical care during a pandemic, while protecting their patients, their colleagues, themselves and their families from potential infection. The course will review aspects of a pandemic that are relevant to surgical providers, different timelines of a pandemic, how provision of surgical care needs to change during these timeframes, and how to protect themselves and others from infection during the pandemic.

Surgical services are an essential part of healthcare systems. In times of pandemics, healthcare systems can be disrupted and overwhelmed, while all resources are redirected to treatment of those infected by the pandemic organism. Consequently, there needs to be a plan in place to protect essential surgical services, so that patients who require urgent and life-saving surgical care do not suffer collaterally from the impact of the pandemic.

Additionally, operating rooms are high-risk environments for the transmission of infectious diseases to healthcare workers. With the progression of the pandemic, when resources become scarce, anxiety and stress levels are high; as prevalence of the disease increases exponentially, the stress on the surgical system will rise similarly and the safe maintenance of essential surgical services will be threatened.

This course aims to inform surgical teams of the risk during pandemics, prepare them to respond appropriately, give them tools to ensure their safety, build pathways to maintain specific surgical services and anticipate and mitigate long term impacts. When appropriate, real life case studies, and clinical examples will be used. We will use examples and case studies drawn from the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, but also from past events like the SARS-CoV (SARS) outbreak in 2003 and the Ebola outbreak in 2014. Where possible, relevant discussion of implications to low versus high resource settings will be integrated into the course material. However, the materials reviewed in many respects are not unique to a particular resource setting.

By the end of the course, students will demonstrate capabilities in provision of surgical care services during a pandemic.

This online course is accredited for up to 20.0 Mainpro+/MOC Section 3 credits (credit conversion available for: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and American Academy of Family Physicians Prescribed Credits).

What you'll learn

Upon successful completion of this course the learner will be able to:

Apply principles of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pandemics when deciding on provision of surgical care services
Recognize the implications of the relevant factors related to the infectious organism: mode of transmission, incubation period, infectiousness, symptomatology
Plan the approach to generation of a surge response to a pandemic, in both high and low resource settings
Create an appropriate protocol for protection of healthcare workers
Design pathways for maintenance of access to specific essential surgical services
Identify the relevant local, national and international key actors in the pandemic response
Demonstrate leadership in the surgical response to pandemics
Develop processes of care to mitigate consequences of pandemics on surgical systems

What's inside

Learning objectives

Apply principles of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pandemics when deciding on provision of surgical care services
Recognize the implications of the relevant factors related to the infectious organism: mode of transmission, incubation period, infectiousness, symptomatology
Plan the approach to generation of a surge response to a pandemic, in both high and low resource settings
Create an appropriate protocol for protection of healthcare workers

Design pathways for maintenance of access to specific essential surgical services
Identify the relevant local, national and international key actors in the pandemic response
Demonstrate leadership in the surgical response to pandemics
Develop processes of care to mitigate consequences of pandemics on surgical systems

Apply principles of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pandemics when deciding on provision of surgical care services
Recognize the implications of the relevant factors related to the infectious organism: mode of transmission, incubation period, infectiousness, symptomatology
Plan the approach to generation of a surge response to a pandemic, in both high and low resource settings
Create an appropriate protocol for protection of healthcare workers
Design pathways for maintenance of access to specific essential surgical services
Identify the relevant local, national and international key actors in the pandemic response
Demonstrate leadership in the surgical response to pandemics
Develop processes of care to mitigate consequences of pandemics on surgical systems

Syllabus

This course is delivered in an online format. It can be completed at the surgical provider's own pace. It is available on a consistent and permanent basis such that material can be reviewed if needed in the future. For convenience, the course has been organized into five modules. Each module will consist of didactic content, expert podcast interviews, a recorded lecture and a quiz. You will have the opportunity to participate in discussion postings, which will be moderated weekly by a course instructor.

Module 1: What a Surgical Provider Should Know about Pandemics

Module 2: Surgical Surge Response for Pandemics (Content available on May 5, 2020)

Module 3: Protection of Surgical Healthcare Workers (Content available on May 12, 2020)

Module 4: Defining and Maintaining Essential Services (Content available on May 19, 2020)

Module 5: Global Impact and Ethical Considerations (Content available on May 26, 2020)

Clinician interviews will be used that are particularly relevant to provision of different aspects of surgical care during a pandemic.

The instructors are available on an ad hoc basis through email, but may take some time to respond given responsibilities for provision of clinical care.

It is expected to take approximately 4 hours per week to review all the material, depending on time spent on additional readings.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prepares surgical providers to deliver surgical care during a pandemic, which is a relevant and current concern for healthcare professionals

Taught by experienced surgical providers who are recognized for their work in the field, providing learners with access to the latest knowledge and best practices

Delivers content through a mix of didactic materials, expert podcast interviews, recorded lectures, and quizzes, offering a variety of learning experiences

Covers relevant topics such as epidemiology, pathophysiology, and protection of healthcare workers, providing a comprehensive understanding of surgical care during a pandemic

Emphasizes the importance of leadership and ethical considerations in the surgical response to pandemics

May require additional reading or research for a deeper understanding of some topics

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 Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic with these activities:

Review Surgical Techniques for High-Risk Procedures

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Sharpen surgical skills and techniques to ensure proficiency in managing complex procedures during a pandemic

Browse courses on Surgical Techniques

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Review surgical textbooks or online resources
Observe or assist in high-risk surgeries
Practice surgical techniques on simulators or models

Practice donning and doffing PPE

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Ensure that you are proficient in donning and doffing PPE to protect yourself from infection.

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Find a video tutorial on how to properly don and doff PPE.
Practice donning and doffing PPE several times until you are comfortable with the process.

Attend a Webinar on Best Practices in Pandemic Surgical Care

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Gain insights and learn from experts in the field on best approaches to surgical care during a pandemic

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Register and attend a webinar hosted by reputable organizations or experts in the field
Take notes and ask questions during the webinar

Eight other activities

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Simulation Exercises: Surgical PPE and Infection Control

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Reinforce proper techniques in a controlled environment to ensure safety during surgery in a pandemic

Browse courses on Infection Control

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Participate in simulations wearing full PPE and practice hand hygiene protocols
Review infection control guidelines and demonstrate appropriate techniques for disinfection and sterilization

Watch a video tutorial on how to perform a surgical procedure during a pandemic

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Learn how to perform surgical procedures safely during a pandemic.

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Find a video tutorial on how to perform a surgical procedure during a pandemic.
Watch the video tutorial and take notes on the key steps.

Attend a webinar on surgical care during pandemics

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Connect with other healthcare professionals and learn about the latest developments in surgical care during pandemics.

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Find a webinar on surgical care during pandemics.
Register for the webinar and attend.

Develop a Pandemic Surge Response Plan

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Gain practical experience in developing a critical component of surgical response in a pandemic

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Gather relevant data and information on hospital capacity, resources, and staffing
Conduct interviews with stakeholders to identify needs and requirements
Draft a comprehensive plan outlining surge capacity protocols and procedures
Simulate scenarios to test the effectiveness of the plan and identify areas for improvement

Infographic: Essential Surgical Services

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Visually summarize the key surgical services and considerations for maintaining access during a pandemic

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Identify and research the most critical surgical services
Gather data on the resources and capacity required to maintain these services
Create an infographic that clearly presents the information

Design a pathway for maintaining access to essential surgical services during a pandemic

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Develop a plan for ensuring that patients have access to essential surgical services even during a pandemic.

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Identify the essential surgical services that must be maintained during a pandemic.
Develop a plan for triaging patients and prioritizing surgeries.
Identify the resources that will be needed to maintain essential surgical services.
Develop a communication plan for informing patients and the public about the availability of essential surgical services.

Attend a workshop on surgical care during pandemics

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Gain hands-on experience in surgical care during pandemics.

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Find a workshop on surgical care during pandemics.
Register for the workshop and attend.

Discussion Group: Ethical Decision-Making

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Engage in discussions with peers to navigate the complex ethical challenges in surgical decision-making during a pandemic

Browse courses on Ethical Considerations

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Prepare for discussions by reviewing relevant case studies and ethical frameworks
Participate in group discussions, sharing perspectives and considering different viewpoints
Reflect on the discussions and how they may influence decision-making in real-world scenarios

Career center

Learners who complete Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Researcher

A Public Health Researcher analyzes the impact of public health issues on populations, especially during crises like pandemics. This course may be especially helpful for Public Health Researchers who study surgical care during a pandemic by providing insights into the needs of surgical patients and healthcare workers, as well as strategies for protecting them from infection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator manages and coordinates clinical research studies, including those related to surgical care during pandemics. This course may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators who work on pandemic-related studies by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in delivering surgical care during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Infection Preventionist

An Infection Preventionist develops and implements infection prevention and control programs, including those related to surgical care during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Infection Preventionists who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective infection prevention and control measures during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infection Preventionist

Healthcare Administrator

A Healthcare Administrator plans, directs, and coordinates healthcare services, including those related to surgical care during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Healthcare Administrators who are responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe and effective surgical care during a pandemic by providing them with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement pandemic response plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population, including during pandemics. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who study surgical care during a pandemic by providing them with insights into the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pandemics, as well as strategies for preventing and controlling the spread of infection in surgical settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Emergency Manager

An Emergency Manager plans and coordinates emergency response activities, including those related to surgical care during pandemics. This course may be useful for Emergency Managers who are responsible for developing and implementing pandemic response plans for surgical care facilities by providing them with the knowledge and skills to assess risks, develop mitigation strategies, and coordinate resources during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Manager

Global Health Specialist

A Global Health Specialist works to improve health outcomes in low-resource settings, including during pandemics. This course may be useful for Global Health Specialists who work on pandemic-related projects by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in delivering surgical care in low-resource settings during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst analyzes and develops health policy, including that related to surgical care during pandemics. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who work on pandemic-related policies by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in delivering surgical care during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Surgical Nurse

A Surgical Nurse provides nursing care to surgical patients, including during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Surgical Nurses who work in pandemic preparedness and response by providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surgical Nurse

Surgeon

A Surgeon performs surgical procedures on patients, including during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Surgeons who work in pandemic preparedness and response by providing them with the knowledge and skills to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surgeon

Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse provides nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, including surgical settings during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Registered Nurses who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant provides medical care under the supervision of a physician, including during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Physician Assistants who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Hospitalist

A Hospitalist provides medical care to hospitalized patients, including surgical patients during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Hospitalists who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hospitalist

Anesthesiologist

An Anesthesiologist provides anesthesia and pain management to patients, including during surgical procedures during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Anesthesiologists who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to provide anesthesia and pain management to surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anesthesiologist

Critical Care Nurse

A Critical Care Nurse provides nursing care to critically ill patients, including surgical patients during pandemics. This course may be helpful for Critical Care Nurses who work in surgical settings by providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for surgical patients during a pandemic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Critical Care Nurse