Introduction: Focus groups were conducted at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) 2000 Annual Conference to define the perceived priorities for healthcare and public health (PHP) education and preparedness for bioterrorism.
Methods: A random sample of 150 APIC members who were registered for the APIC 2000 National Conference were contacted and asked to participate in the focus groups. Volunteers were placed into three 15-member groups based on education level. Demographic data was collected for each group. The nominal group method was utilized to obtain participants' educational priorities; a focus group format was used to identify groups needing additional training and preferred education delivery methods.
Results: Participants defined 42 worker groups they felt needed education. Worker group-specific topics were identified; 36 topics were listed for PHP's. Agent-specific epidemiology was rated the highest priority. Other key topics identified for PHP's include: communication, coordination, surveillance, outbreak epidemiology, isolation/triage, preparedness planning, resource allocation, and media management. Preferred delivery methods for education included scenarios, quick reference materials, case presentations and inservices lasting 60 minutes or less. Participants reported that they felt that local public health departments should be the primary contact in bioterrorism events.
Conclusions: Additional bioterrorism awareness and preparedness training is needed for all healthcare and public health worker groups. This training should be focused on topics identified as priorities during these focus groups. Public health professionals should be a high priority to receive education since healthcare professionals will rely on them as a primary information source during a bioterrorism event.
See www.bioterrorism.slu.eduLearning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, Saint Louis University, School of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.