title: Clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding bioterrorism after a brief educational program.
abstract: We conducted this study to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors of New York City clinicians regarding bioterrorism-related diseases after a brief educational program. Data on clinicians' knowledge and attitudes toward bioterrorism and related diseases were collected using a self-administered questionnaire following a 3.5-hour educational program. Participants (n = 310, 82% response rate) reported increased confidence in recognizing symptoms of bioterrorism-related diseases (89%), in addressing patients' bioterrorism concerns (83%), and ability to treat bioterrorism victims (75%). Despite a high level of confidence in the efficacy of infection control precautions, participants' knowledge scores regarding safe work practices suggest that additional education is warranted. Educational programs are useful in enhancing the public health response to bioterrorism and its consequences.
authors.affiliation: Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. rg405@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Robyn R M
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Gershon
authors.forename: Kristine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Qureshi
authors.forename: Kent A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Sepkowitz
authors.forename: Alejandra C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Gurtman
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galea
authors.forename: Martin F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D023482:Bioterrorism; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching