Bioterrorism web sites for pharmacists.
OBJECTIVE
To identify Internet Web sites for ease of accessibility to bioterrorism-related information, comprehensive provision of bioterrorism-related information, and provision of bioterrorism information that specifically pertains to the pharmacy profession.


METHODS
Web sites of national pharmacy organizations, US government agencies, and medical organizations, as well as Web sites related to bioterrorism.


RESULTS
Pharmacists need access to relevant bioterrorism information in a timely manner. An evaluation of Web sites was performed to identify those that include a discussion of the potential infectious microorganisms and prevention and treatment methods, as well as unique features for pharmacy practice.


RESULTS
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and American Pharmaceutical Association Web sites provide pharmacy-specific recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides biological agent information and health department contact numbers. Additional agent-specific data are provided by the American Medical Association, The Johns Hopkins University, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web sites. Information addressing food safety is provided by the FDA.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacy-specific bioterrorism information is available only at selected national pharmacy organization Internet Web sites. However, other Web sites provide comprehensive bioterrorism information useful for pharmacists.
Misita
Caron P
CP
McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, A 35229-7027, USAL.
Boosinger
Andrea B
AB
Kendrach
Michael G
MG
D023482:Bioterrorism; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004346:Drug Information Services; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D010604:Pharmacy; D012952:Societies