Our team aims to provide its expertise on several topics relevant for global heath security to support other countries in strengthening their capacities and capabilities to the areas relevant for health security. To be able to do so, RIVM develops training materials and provides trainings to strengthen the professional capacity of first responders, health workers and laboratories dealing with incident response, including outbreaks- of infectious diseases and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiology and nuclear) incident. Our training approach is based on blended learning, which means that we aim to combine interactive online educational materials with on-site training, enabling the delivery of customised courses and training materials. For most courses, e-learning can be accessed by the trainees directly, whereas training materials can be offered to local instructors for in-site training.
Dependent on the topic, country and project, trainings might not always be provided online or on-site. That is why we also offer customised training at RIVM, for example on NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) surveillance and Laboratory Biosafety. We also organise webinars on various subjects attuned to the interests and needs.
Online course Fundamentals on Laboratory Biosafety (WHOcc)
This online training course aims to train the basics of working safely in a laboratory facility. It focuses on core requirements for biosafety as stipulated by WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual 4th edition. The course consists of 10 modules: Microorganisms & GMOs, Routes of transmission, Principles of biorisk, Good microbiological practice and procedure, Containment, Personal Protective Equipment, Specimen transport, receipt and storage, Disinfectants, decontamination and waste management, Policy & Procedures and Risk Assessment. Each module contains an eLearning, followed by a quiz. The course is developed for everyone working in microbiology laboratories (e.g. laboratory technicians, students, biosafety officers). Upon successful completion a certificate is issued. Note: to enroll you need to create a free account.
P81 SCAT
This P81 SCAT eLearning provides an online training on how to perform laboratory assessments for surge capacity and how to use the Surge Capacity Assessment Tool (SCAT). The SCAT was developed to strengthen emergency management capacity in times of large scale crisis, such as pandemics. The SCAT focuses on laboratory surge capacity and analyses testing capacity and preparedness for an increase in testing demand. Testing capacity is critical in providing information on the progression of an outbreak to decision-makers, as well as insight for control measures. The SCAT helps analyse if testing capacity is sufficient under different scenarios, such as at the laboratory, regional, or national scale, as determined by the user. This eLearning is for assessors from diagnostic laboratories, national representatives, and other stakeholders interested in laboratory outbreak preparedness. Note: to enroll you need to create a free account.
MELODY
The www.MELODYtraining.eu website contains e-learnings for first responders and material for CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiology and nuclear) trainers. The training material consists of: Guide for trainers; Classroom presentations; Scenarios; Hands-on video training material; Tabletop exercises; E-learnings in 10 European languages; Test questions and the MELODY card game. The Powerpoints, the Trainer guide, the animations and supporting documents can be edited for translation and adaptation to national guidelines.