The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40097

Frederick M. Chen, MD, MPH¹, John Hickner, MD, MS², Kenneth S. Fink, MD, MGA, MPH¹, James M. Galliher, PhD², and Helen Burstin, MD¹. (1) Center for Primary Care Research, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 6010 Executive Blvd., Ste. 201, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-594-5420, fchen@ahrq.gov, (2) American Academy of Family Physicians National Network for Family Practice and Primary Care Research, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy, Leawood, KS 66211

Background: The events of September 11, 2001 and the nation’s recent experience with anthrax made bioterrorism preparedness a national priority. While primary care physicians are among the sentinel responders to bioterrorist attacks, little is known about their ability to manage the medical and public health aspects of such events. Methods: We conducted a national survey of 976 family physicians randomly selected from the American Academy of Family Physician's active membership directory. 614 (63%) responded to the survey. Results: Ninety-seven percent of physicians agreed that a bioterrorist attack is a real threat within the United States. However, only 27% of family physicians felt that the US health care system could respond effectively to a bioterrorist attack; fewer (17%) felt that their local medical communities could respond effectively. Twenty-six percent of physicians reported that they would know what to do as a doctor in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Only 18% had previous training in bioterrorism preparedness. In a multivariate analysis, physicians' reported preparedness for a bioterrorist attack was significantly associated with having previous bioterrorism preparedness training (OR 3.9 [95%CI 2.4-6.3]) and knowing how to obtain information in the event of a bioterrorist attack (OR 6.4 [95%CI 3.9-10.6]). Conclusions: Only one-quarter of family physicians felt prepared to respond to a bioterrorist event. However, training in bioterrorism preparedness was significantly associated with physicians' perceived ability to respond effectively to an attack. Primary care physicians need better training in bioterrorism preparedness and easy access to public health and medical information in the event of a bioterrorist attack.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the need for primary care physician training in bioterrorism preparedness
• Articulate the role of primary care providers in responding to bioterrorism.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.