Related Experiment Videos
On the front lines: family physicians' preparedness for bioterrorism
Frederick M Chen1, John Hickner, Kenneth S Fink
1National Network for Family Practice Primary Care Research, American Academy of Family Physicians, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|October 9, 2002
Summary
Most family physicians lack preparedness for bioterrorism events. Training in bioterrorism preparedness and access to information significantly improve their confidence in responding to attacks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Preparedness
Background:
- Bioterrorism preparedness became a national priority following the September 11, 2001 attacks and anthrax incidents.
- Primary care physicians are crucial sentinel responders in bioterrorism events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess family physicians' self-reported preparedness for bioterrorist attacks.
- To identify factors associated with perceived preparedness among family physicians.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted in October 2001 among 976 randomly selected family physicians.
- 614 (63%) physicians responded, reporting their ability to manage bioterrorism events, recognize symptoms, and identify reporting channels.
- Preparedness was assessed using self-reported knowledge and prior training.
Main Results:
- 95% of physicians acknowledged bioterrorism as a real threat, but only 27% believed the US healthcare system could respond effectively.
- Only 26% of physicians felt they knew what to do during an attack, and 18% had prior bioterrorism preparedness training.
- Preparedness was significantly associated with prior training (OR 3.9) and knowing how to obtain information (OR 6.4).
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in family physician preparedness for bioterrorist events, with only one-quarter feeling adequately prepared.
- Bioterrorism preparedness training and access to information are key factors in enhancing physicians' perceived ability to respond.
- Enhanced training and accessible information resources are essential for primary care physicians to effectively manage bioterrorism threats.