Applying Epidemiology in Humanitarian Contexts

About the course

All epidemiologists are required to complete this self-paced course as part of their onboarding. It will introduce the role of an MSF epidemiologist with a focus on public health surveillance, outbreaks and operational research. This course is highly recommended for all OCA MSF medical, paramedical and water and sanitation teams and particularly the first module. Target audience. This course is for MSF epidemiologists, medical, paramedical and water and sanitation teams. Logisticians, project coordinators and heads of mission may also benefit from taking the first module of this course.

Duration 

There are four modules in this course with videos ranging from 10-15 minutes. There are an additional 4 short videos (4-5 mins each) involving interviews with various MSF colleagues sharing experiences of working with epidemiologists: medical team lead, medical coordinator, water and sanitation advisor, and operations . There are also quizzes to complete after each module.
Epidemiologists are expected to commit at least 1 hour to this course and up to 1.5 hours if all additional videos are completed. 
Medical, paramedical and Watsan specialists are expected to commit at least 15 minutes to this course through watching the first module video and completing the first quiz. They are highly encouraged to watch all module videos, which would bring the total commitment up to 1.5 hours.

Learning objectives

Module 1: Introduction to epidemiology 
At the end of this module, participants should be able to 
  • Explain what epidemiology is 
  • Explain the role of an epidemiologist in MSF-OCA projects 
  • Describe when epidemiologists can support activities in the project cycle 
Module 2: Public health surveillance 
At the end of this module, participants should be able to 
  • Describe what public health surveillance is 
  • Summarise key differences between indicator and event-based surveillance 
  • Compare health facility and community-based surveillance 
  • Outline key steps in the early warning alert and response framework 
  • Describe the roles of MSF staff in public health surveillance
Module 3: Outbreak response 
At the end of this module, participants should be able to 
  • Outline the steps involved in an outbreak investigation
  • Describe how analysis of outbreak data can inform operational decision making 
  • Describe the resources available to support outbreak preparedness and response in MSF-OCA 
Module 4: Operational research 
At the end of this module, participants should be able to 
  • Explain what operational research is 
  • Explain why we do operational research in MSF
  • Explain who is involved in operational research in MSF
  • Explain how we do operational research in MSF 

List of contents 

The topics this course will cover include the role of an MSF epidemiologist, public health surveillance, outbreak response and operational research at MSF.

Methodology 

During this course learners will watch brief videos on the core topics of the role of MSF epidemiologists, public health surveillance, outbreaks and operational research and complete short quizzes for each topic. In addition, they can watch short video interviews with various MSF colleagues on their experiences of working with epidemiologists. 

Evaluation 

To obtain a certificate of completion for this course, learners will have to complete all four quizzes.

Certification 

After successful completion of this course, participants will receive a digital badge awarded by MSF OCA.