After 9/11: priority focus areas for bioterrorism preparedness in hospitals.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, bioterrorism preparedness was a priority in hospitals, but it did not remain a priority. As a result, hospitals are still unprepared to deal with the effects of a bioterrorist attack. The government has provided initial funding to state and local governments for bioterrorism preparedness; however, much of this money has yet to reach hospitals. With the inadequate funding available to hospitals, four initial measures must be focused on. These focus areas are community involvement, hospital staff education, information technology and disease surveillance improvement, and additional equipment and staff acquisition. Hospitals should also make bioterrorism-preparedness planning a regional effort.
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. murphyjk2@hotmail.com
Jenifer K
JK
Murphy
D023482:Bioterrorism; D003256:Community Participation; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018563:Disease Notification; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D014481:United States