We are pleased to welcome you to the course "Prevention of respiratory infections in vulnerable population”.

This course is based on the fact that some basic preventive behaviors to avoid the transmission of respiratory infections are often applied incorrectly, putting one's own life and that of others at risk. This problem is further exacerbated in the socially, medically, economically, and socially vulnerable population, whose possibilities of living in good hygiene conditions and understanding information are limited due to various barriers. 

The overall objective of this course is to train volunteers and formal and informal caregivers (family members, NGOs, community/public nurses) who work with vulnerable people (e.g., older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, immigrants, refugees) in the prevention of respiratory infections.

The course materials have been adapted for people with disabilities (e.g., translation into sign language).

The Erasmus+ KA220-HED program funds the development of this MOOC. 

Target population

Volunteers and formal/non-formal caregivers (family members, NGOs, community/public nurses) who work with vulnerable people (e.g.,: elderly, people with intellectual impairment, immigrants, refugees).

Objective of the course

• To understand the anatomical and physiological basis of the respiratory system. To know the different types of respiratory infections. To know how to identify the most common causes, symptoms and signs of respiratory infections. To learn what is meant by the concept of respiratory infection.
• To explore the mechanisms of transmission of respiratory infections. To understand risk factors for respiratory infections. To know the most effective preventive measures and vaccines to prevent respiratory infections. To discover the most common behaviors that favor the risk of transmission of respiratory infections.
• To explore the mechanisms that motivate people to change their behavior. To understand the Effective Techniques for Behavioral Change. To learn about the Health Belief Model of Behavior Change, Pender's Health Promotion Model and the Transtheoretical Model of change. 
• To learn what the concept of vulnerability means. Identifying the different types of vulnerability. To know and explore the most effective educational strategies and useful tools aimed at vulnerable populations.

Program

The course will consist of 4 SECTIONS:

SECTION 1

Respiratory System and Respiratory Infections (5 Units)

SECTION 2

Health promotion and prevention of respiratory diseases (4 Units)

SECTION 3

Effective Models for Behavioral Change (3 Units)

SECTION 4

Educational strategies aimed at vulnerable populations (3 Units)

Terms for passing the course

1. Taking a test at the end of each module to check the material learned. Each test consists of five questions with four answers, in which you must choose one correct answer.
2. Achieve at least 90% in all tests. There is no limit to the number of attempts, ensuring the tests serve as a learning tool without causing unnecessary stress.

Course Staff

Nevenka Kregar Velikonja

Dean, researcher. Associate Professor.

University of Novo mesto Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia

Gorazd Laznik

Research Team. PhD., Sen. Lect. Vice-dean for Research & lecturer

University of Novo mesto Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia

Mateja Šimec

Research Team. Sen. Lecturer

University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia

Sabina Krsnik

Research Team, Administrative Support. MBA

University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia

Alvisa Palese

Research Team, Team coordinator. Full Professor in Nursing

University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Stefania Chiappinotto

Research Team. Research fellow 

University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Chiara Moreal

Research Team. PhD student

University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Monica Ronco

Research Team, Nurse educator 

University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Irene Mansutti

Research Team. Nursing educator

University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Aysel Özsaban

Research Team, Team Coordinator. Assistant Professor in Nursing 

Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye

Aysun Bayram

Research Team. Research Assistant in Nursing

Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye

Montserrat Solà Pola

PhD in Nursing. Professor, Faculty of Nursing (UB)

University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Alba Rosselló Novella

PhD in Nursing. Professor, Faculty of Nursing (UB) 

University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Antonio Rosa Castillo

PhD in Nursing. Professor, Faculty of Nursing (UB)

University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Llúcia Benito Aracil

PhD in Nursing. Professor, Faculty of Nursing (UB)

University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Beata Dobrowolska

Research Team, Team coordinator. Professor 

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Kinga Zdunek

Research Team. Senior researcher

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Patrycja Ozdoba

Research Team. Master of Public Health. Junior researcher and technical specialist 

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Alicja Artych

Research Team. Master’s Degree in Nursing. Lecturer

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Aleksandra Fornal

Research Team. Assistant, Master of Science in Nursing.

Medical University of Lublin, Poland  

Magdalena Dziurka

Research Team. PhD Candidate, Master of Midwifery. Junior Assistant 

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Bogumiła Kosicka

PhD, Principal lecturer

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Marta Szara

Research Team. PhD, prinicipal lecturer

Medical University of Lublin, Poland