Course syllabus for Public Health Response in Health Crisis and Disasters

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree of at least 180 credits in Health, Management and Administration, Social or Technical sciences. In addition, proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

Outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide competencies to prioritise optimally, plan, implement and monitor health interventions in health crises and disasters based on needs and risks.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain the role of the health systems in health crises and in disasters and analyse disrupted health systems
• relate to disaster response systems, their potentials and weaknesses
• explain the roles of governments, major international organisations (UN, WHO et al) and non-governmental organisations in handling health crises and disasters
• explain the principles for, and handling of mass-casualty situations

Competence and skills

• plan for health interventions in different types of disasters and health crises
• plan epidemiological surveillance in disaster situations

Judgement and approach

• argue for key components required to prevent and control epidemic outbreaks of infectious diseases
• assess, compare, and prioritise among different health strategies aimed at maintaining population health in disasters and health crises
• reflect on ethical dilemmas and challenges related to collaboration in the planning and implementation of health interventions in disasters and health crises

Content

• Assessment and analysis of vulnerability, severity and needs at disasters
• Assessment of food insecurity and malnutrition at disasters
• Analysis of disrupted health systems
• International systems for disaster response
• Standards and accountability in disasters
• Strategies for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and shelter in disasters
• Logistics and supply chains in disasters
• Planning and implementation of health response in different types of disasters and health crises
  *health care at different levels
  *minimum standard for sexual reproductive health and rights
  *mother- and children's health
  *surgery and rehabilitation
  *non-communicable diseases and mental health
• Epidemiological surveillance and control of epidemic outbreaks of infectious diseases, including mass vaccination strategies.
• Principles of and handling of mass-casualty situations
• Strategies to handle food insecurity and malnutrition
• Project planning and project management of health projects (planning, implementation and supervision)
• Mental health and psychosocial support at disasters
• Staff health and moral stress

Teaching methods

Interactive lectures. Web-based assignments in groups and individual, simulation exercises and discussion seminars. The students will practice and demonstrate ability to collect in and analyse information in disasters and thereafter plan and prioritise necessary health efforts. The project work is carried out in groups with written submissions, presentations and discussions in seminars, where the students give an account of and discuss the project plans.

Examination

The course is examined in a written examination. The course also includes compulsory parts, where active participation is required.

The compulsory parts include simulation exercises and a group project. For the student to pass the course, it is required that the student has fulfilled established criteria for all compulsory parts.

The student receives a final grade A-F. To pass the course, the student must obtain at least grade E on examination, and have fulfilled the established criteria for all compulsory parts.

Compulsory participation
The examiner assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations, he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of blank exam is regarded as an examination session. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be counted as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced

Transitional provisions

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.

Other directives

The course is offered in English.

Course evaluation will be carried out according to the guidelines that are established by the Committee for education of basic and second cycle.