The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71255

Robyn R.M. Gershon, MHS DrPH¹, Kristine A Quershi, DNS (C)², Marissa Barrera, BS³, and Catherine Dela Cruz³. (1) Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 600 west 168th st, 4th floor, New York, NY 10032, (2) Center for Public Health Preparedness, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 168th st, New York, NY 10032, (3) Division of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, 600 West 168 street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10032, 212 305-2138, mb2054@columbia.edu

Workforce emergency preparedness readiness is an increasing concern, especially within the healthcare sector. In order to determine factors that may influence health care provider’s willingness to care for patients with suspected or confirmed diseases of bioterrorism (e.g., anthrax, smallpox, tularemia, etc.) we recently surveyed (N=310, 70% response rate) primary care providers on their attitudes and concerns related to this issue. Attendees at a clinical training program, which focused on Category A agents of bioterrorism, were asked to anonymously complete a questionnaire which included items related to their concerns about contagion, their beliefs regarding their own vulnerability, and their willingness to provide care for potentially infected patients. Clinicians reported concern regarding bioterrorism diseases (61%), with 77% believing that the US would be a target for future bioterrorist attacks, and only 14% reporting that they felt the US was prepared for such attacks. Roughly 10% of the respondents were concerned about patient-related transmission of disease. Nearly half (49%), of respondents stated that they would recommend the smallpox vaccine to their patients if available. These data provide some of the first insights into the concerns that health care providers have regarding bioterrorism and patient care and can be useful in designing effective training programs on preparedness of the clinical health care workforce.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objectives:
• By the end of the session, the listener will be able to:Identify health care providers' fears, concerns, and barriers to provision of care with respect to bioterrorism diseases.

Keywords: Occupational Health, Health Care Workers

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.