Computerized bioterrorism education and training for nurses on bioterrorism attack agents.
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.
Nyamathi
Adeline M
AM
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. anyamath@sonnet.ucla.edu
Casillas
Adrian
A
King
Major L
ML
Gresham
Louise
L
Pierce
Elaine
E
Farb
Daniel
D
Wiechmann
Carrie
C
Weichmann
Carrie
C
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