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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Molly A. Rose, PhD and Karen L. Larrimore, MSN. College of Health Professions, Department of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, 130 S. 9th Street Suite 1215, Philadelphia, PA 19107
In the summer and fall of 2000, a graduate nursing student, Arthur Blackshaw, developed and implemented a knowledge and awareness assessment of chemical and biological terrorism for health care providers in an urban, northeastern area of the United States. The results of his work are presented in memory of Arthur, who died unexpectedly in November, 2000. This needs assessment was conducted approximately one year prior to September 11, 2001 in preparation for a workshop on the implications of biological and chemical terrorism for health care providers. The assessment consisted of demographics, knowledge questions on chemical and biological agents, institutional policies, and use of appropriate equipment, and concerns about reporting to work and ability to render appropriate care during an emergency bioterrorism or chemical terrorism situation. A total of 291 health care providers (RNs, MDs, EMTs, Nursing and Medical students) completed the questionnaire. Results of the questionnaire demonstrated overall low scores on knowledge for all health care provider groups, with health care providers in emergency departments and those with previous military experience scoring highest. In a scenario of chemical terrorism, only 53% of the health care providers questioned stated that they would definitely report to work. The implications, administrative responses to terrorism, and recommendations for policy and staff development in relationship to the reality of September 11 will be discussed. An overview of an innovative approach to staff development in the area of weapons of mass destruction, using a theoretical model, will be included.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Health Education Strategies
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.