The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44558

Byron Sogie-Thomas, MS, Office of Health Policy, Research and Professional Medical Affairs, National Medical Association, 1012 Tenth St NW, Washington, DC 20001 and Jayfus Tucker Doswell, MS, Juxtopia, LLC, President/CEO, 6581 Hickman Terrace, Alexandria, VA 22315, 703-313-6774, bsogie-thomas@nmanet.org.

In the aftermath of the anthrax scare that followed the September terrorist attacks, public health officials and administrators all over America have become increasingly more aware that we need to intensify our efforts in bioterrorism preparedness. One important weapon in our arsenal is the use of internet-based technology in providing educational materials that will inform and reassure the public during and after a biological attack. Furthermore, these technologies can enhance bioterrorism-related education and training for health care professionals.

This presentation will provide an interactive multimedia interface in which Internet accessible computer 3D graphics are used to define the bio-agent, the etiology/symptoms of the disease, and how it attacks the body from the molecular level. With this multi-modal interface, persons will be able to interact with computer animated sequences and read/hear supplemental text in order to better understand the various types, treatments, and prevention methods of bioterrorism. Cognitive psychology and neuroscience studies suggest that learning concepts with a multi-modal interface allows the human brain to attach various cues (i.e., text, video, animation, and sound) with the concept being learned.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant (learner) should be able to

• recognize a bioterrorist threat, based on specific symptoms presented by a particular agent, as defined by the technology we have just presented
• articulate the etiology and symptoms of disease caused by a particular agent, using the technology we have just described

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Education

Related Web page: www.juxtopia.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Yes, as CEO of Juxtopia LLC, Jayfus Tucker Doswell, MS, has a vested financial interest in the technology referenced in this abstract.