Population Health During A Pandemic: Contact Tracing and Beyond

This module discusses some of the ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations that arise in the context of contact tracing. Specifically, it focuses on the collection, protection, and sharing of information during a routine contact tracing phone call. This module will also enhance an understanding of key terms in law and ethics; evolving legal and ethical issues in contact tracing; and questions that may arise while working as a contract tracer.

This module addresses the mental health impact of COVID-19. It will cover the range of normal responses, signs that a stress response might be problematic, constructive management of fear, and concerns for special populations such as children, elderly individuals, and healthcare workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused concerns about illness, financial stress, and the challenges of prolonged social distancing. Moreover, numerous individuals who were affected by mental health issues prior to the pandemic are confronted with managing their illness in the face of added stress and changes in the way the access support. This module includes useful resources for supporting individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This module describes the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, including communities of color, those with low socioeconomic status, and the elderly. The module will define health equity terminology, describe the influence of social determinants of health on COVID-19-related outcomes, and identify how COVID-19 has exacerbated longstanding health inequities in the United States.

This module focuses on pregnancy-related issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The module covers how the pandemic may affect perinatal care, including the importance of continuing preventive health care in the prenatal and postpartum periods. Additional issues include care for pregnant and postpartum patients with COVID-19 infection, concerns regarding breastfeeding during the pandemic, and mental health issues that can be exacerbated during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

This module examines the current and evolving knowledge around the effects of COVID-19 in the pediatric population. Topics include the epidemiology and physical manifestations of the virus as seen in children, including the newly described Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. The module also explores the conflicting information regarding children as “super-spreaders,” ways to help prevent spread among children, and how to mitigate the disruptive effects of the pandemic on the lives of children. Finally, this module describes current recommendations regarding the criteria for re-opening schools and daycare centers. Many updated resources are provided throughout the module.