Infection Control Practitioners Perceptions about Biological Terrorism and Emerging Infections – Effective Planning for Healthcare Facilities

Brooke N. Shadel, Terri Rebmann, Bruce Clements, John J. Chen, Gregory Evans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The perceived threat that biological weapons will be used in an act of terror against the United States has escalated sharply since the discovery of anthrax-tainted letters after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These events underscore the critical nature of health care and public health preparedness and the need to augment infection control practitioner education and training.

Methods: Between October 2000 and August 2001 a national needs assessment was conducted by use of a 35-question survey. The survey measured infection control practitioners' (ICPs') perception of the risk for bioterrorism in the United States and in their community, the proportion of ICPs with prior training in bioterrorism preparedness, and preferences for delivery media of future bioterrorism education.

Results: The assessment of the perceived threat of bioterrorism in the United States during the next 5 years ( P = .022) and in the ICPs' work community ( P < .001) revealed significant regional differences. Only half (56%) of the respondents reported prior training in bioterrorism preparedness. Respondents reported that the 2 most common barriers to receiving training were lack of training opportunities (70.2%) or no dedicated work time for training (19.4%).

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate an urgent need for more resources and opportunities for clinical education in bioterrorism preparedness that will provide continuing education credit. Successful bioterrorism education will require a variety of instructional designs and media delivery methods to address ICPs' preferences and needs. (Am J Infect Control 2003;31:129-34.)
Original languageAmerican English
JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control
Volume31
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2003

Keywords

  • Biological terrorism
  • Effective planning
  • Emerging infections
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Infection control
  • Practitioners perceptions

DC Disciplines

  • Public Health

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