223.615.01
Digital Health Strategies to Control COVID19

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Summer Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
TBD
Class Time(s)
Wednesday, 10:00 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Alain Labrique
Smisha Agarwal
Diwakar Mohan
Contact Name
Smisha Agarwal
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
Next Offered
Only offered in 2020
Description
The proliferation of digital technologies used to support the COVID19 pandemic response around the globe has created a difficult challenge for governments and decision-makers to parse through the sea of solutions to find the most appropriate one for their context and needs. This course teaches you which and how to use digital tools in a variety of settings.
Identifies and explains digital tools for COVID19 contact tracing that add value to traditional contact tracing by improving its efficiency and accuracy. These tools are varied in purpose, features and complexity, and can aid in limiting the spread of infections through effective management of exposure and contact data, automation of tasks, and allowing self-reporting of cases and contacts. Distinguishes areas where digital tools might be a useful ally and discuss the process of selection and development of appropriate technologies to mount an effective response. Covers needs assessment, ethics and privacy, complexity and deployment aspects of this problem.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the principles and role of contact tracing for infection control in light of COVID19
  2. Assess technology approaches and mobile health strategies which could be used to support a response to COVID19
  3. Compare or Examine existing technology platforms (e.g. SMS, Commcare, RapidPro, SORMAS, OpenSRP etc.), that may be used toexpand reach and efficacy of contact tracing and combat COVID19 globally, and apply acquired knowledge to complete assigned assessment.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 25% Participation
  • 25% App critique
  • 50% Paper(s)
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This course will be taught virtually via Zoom on Wednesday 10am-12pm. No in-person attendance due to Covid-related teaching and social distancing guidelines.