title: Computerized bioterrorism education and training for nurses on bioterrorism attack agents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Biological agents have the ability to cause large-scale mass casualties. For this reason, their likely use in future terrorist attacks is a concern for national security. Recent studies show that nurses are ill prepared to deal with agents used in biological warfare. Achieving a goal for bioterrorism preparedness is directly linked to comprehensive education and training that enables first-line responders such as nurses to diagnose infectious agents rapidly.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study evaluated participants' responses to biological agents using a computerized bioterrorism education and training program versus a standard bioterrorism education and training program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both programs improved participants' ability to complete and solve case studies involving the identification of specific biological agents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants in the computerized bioterrorism education and training program were more likely to solve the cases critically without reliance on expert consultants. However, participants in the standard bioterrorism education and training program reduced the use of unnecessary diagnostic tests.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. anyamath@sonnet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Adeline M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nyamathi
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casillas
authors.forename: Major L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gresham
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Farb
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wiechmann
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weichmann
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002140:California; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation