Operation Outbreak: The Case of the Sick Swimmers

February 1, 2018 by SON Staff

Faculty teaching Nursing 309, Population Health, wanted to give students an opportunity to participate in the investigation of a public health crisis. To make this a more immersive experience, SON IT staff converted a paper-based epidemiology case study to an online format that begins with a pre-assessment. As the case unfolds, students are presented with “stop and think” questions, knowledge checks, drag and drop activities, videos and more. This interactive case study challenges students as they progress through the following steps of an outbreak investigation:

Part I: Introduction

Students are introduced to the stakeholders involved in the case: swim club employees, members and their guests, and Department of Health employees.

Part II: Hypothesis Generation

Parent and lifeguard — Students assume the role of investigator and learn about pool conditions and the onset of specific symptoms.

Part III: Environmental Studies and Water Quality Investigation

swim club layout — Investigators meet with the swim club manager, the pool operator, and staff on duty during the outbreak period to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the swim club.

Part IV: Epidemiologic Study to Test the Hypothesis

phone interview — Investigators conduct a study to confirm suspicions regarding the source of the outbreak and to identify risk factors for infection.

Part V: Control and Prevention Measures

whiteboard with documentation — Investigators and swim club employees address issues to prevent future waterborne diseases and outbreaks.

The case is available online, so dive in to take part in the investigation! Please contact Elizabeth Miles if you would like to have something similar created for your class.

Credits: Content for this case study obtained with permission from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Categories Instructional Materials, Learner Engagement

Comments

HI!
I have used this for the last three semesters in NURS 309, Population Health!
It is awesome.

Nursing Education