The project

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, there is a need to increase the workforce capacity of contact tracers. To achieve this, we worked with epidemiologists to create a series of contact tracing eLearning modules for the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This learning series is now used to train health professionals in performing contact tracing activities efficiently, effectively and safely.

Our work

We partnered with epidemiologists from Australia MAE and Canada FEP – designed and developed three contact tracing modules.

Module 1. Introduction to Contact Tracing

A refresher on contact training principles, processes, and strategies.

Module 2. Social Determinants, Culture, and Contact Tracing

The module focuses on the importance of considering the impact of social determinants on the design and implementation of contact tracing.

This includes:

Modifying contact tracing activities for vulnerable and at-risk populations
Considering culture when planning and implementing contact tracing activities
Applying appropriate risk communication and community engagement strategies for successful contact tracing

Module 3. Mental Health and Well-being for Contact Tracers

The focus is on the psychosocial aspects of contact tracing, including:

Appropriately supporting individuals and families in quarantine
Supporting contact tracers in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing
Providing tools and strategies used to prevent, identify, and manage stress and burnout

The outcome

We were originally engaged to develop the three contact tracing eLearning modules in English. Soon after the learning series was launched, we were asked to produce the modules in several languages, including: