Special Pathogens of Concern

COURSE DESCRIPTION

It is critical that healthcare personnel have knowledge of Ebola and other special pathogens of concern and their implications for healthcare delivery in a biocontainment unit (BCU). In this course, learners will be able to describe pathogen-related factors that may warrant treatment in a biocontainment unit and they will be able to distinguish between concepts of infectious, communicable, and hazardous as they relate to Ebola and other special pathogens of concern. Learners will also be able to describe the clinical presentation of selected special pathogens from the two broad categories: viral hemorrhagic fevers and the highly pathogenic respiratory viruses.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is intended primarily for healthcare workers and teams in a biocontainment unit environment. Additional medical staff and public health professionals may also find the course to be of benefit. Those individuals may include, but are not limited to, medical and/or nursing staff, administration, education/training leadership, and infection control leadership. Staff specializing in emergency management, communications, specialized clinical areas, laboratory, facilities management and environmental services are also welcome.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

1. Describe pathogen-related factors that may warrant treatment in a biocontainment unit
2. Distinguish among concepts of infectious, communicable and hazardous as they relate to Ebola and other special pathogens of concern and identify implications for each related to placement of a patient in a biocontainment unit
3. Describe the clinical presentation of selected special pathogens or high consequence infectious diseases in two broad categories: viral hemorrhagic fevers and highly pathogenic respiratory viruses

CONTENT OUTLINE

1. The Special Pathogens
   1. Hazardous
   2. Communicable
   3. Infectious
2. Potential candidates for admission to a BCU
3. Clinical presentation and management of viral hemorrhagic fevers
   1. Exemplified by Ebola and Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
4. Clinical presentation and management of highly pathogenic respiratory viruses:
   1. Exemplified by MERS, SARS and influenza

PRESENTERS

Col. Ted Cieslak, MD, FAAP, FIDSA
Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Physician
Associate Director of UNMC's Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology,
University of Nebraska Medical Center

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Kate Boulter, MPH, BAN, RN
Nurse Manager, The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit
Nebraska Medicine

Laura Evans, MD, MSc
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Director, Critical Care, Bellevue Hospital Center

Mark Kortepeter, MD, MPH
Professor, Department of Epidemiology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Public Health

TERM OF APPROVAL

Release Date: April 26, 2018
Expiration date: April 26, 2020

FACULTY AND STAFF DISCLOSURES

The presenters, planners, reviewers, editors, staff, continuing education committee, or other members at NETEC who control content have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

DISCLAIMERS

The opinions or views expressed in this continuing education activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Center for Continuing and NETEC. Healthcare professionals and other individuals should review and consider other publications and materials on the subject before relying solely upon the information contained within this educational activity.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

1. Updated web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
2. Broadband internet connection
3. Desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smart phone
4. Computer speakers or headphones

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions about this activity, please contact the National Ebola Training and Education Center at info@netec.org.