PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Bruce Clements

Publications and source records attributed to Bruce Clements.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Occupational physician perceptions of bioterrorism.

The rationale for most preparedness training of healthcare professionals is based on the assumption that most persons infected following a biological incident will present first to emergency departments of acute care facilities or to ambulatory settings such as private physician offices, and such incidences would be recognized, appropriately treated, and reported to the local health departments. However, an alternative first point of contact is industry, a location where workers gather and disperse on a regular and documented basis, and require healthcare. In industry there are health professionals responsible for the health, safety and on-site well-being of the workforce and surrounding community; these professionals are in a position for early recognition, surveillance, and isolation. Targeted education must be provided to these health professionals. To address perceptions of risk and preferred educational delivery methods for bioterrorism and emerging infections-related materials, a survey of occupational physicians was performed during the spring of 2001. Within the 2 months following the September 11 terrorist attack and subsequent anthrax bioterrorism event, and before release of any results from the first survey, a follow-up mail survey was initiated in November 2001. Response rate to the pre- and post-September 11 survey were 58% (n = 56) and 33% (n = 33), respectively. No significant demographic differences were observed between the respondents of the pre- and post-surveys. Perceptions of likelihood of another bioterrorism event increased between surveys, as would be expected; however, a tendency to believe that it would not happen locally persisted. Even though over 90% of the physicians had received immediate training following September 11, additional training/education needs were demonstrated. Although training and education modules can be designed without information based on the population that can be on the receiving end, it rarely accomplishes its goal. Results from this survey can serve as a base for designing various levels of targeted training and educational material specific to the perceived need, method of obtaining information and the format considered to be most conducive for learning. Potential consequences from lack of bioterrorism preparedness due to low perception of need and threat awareness need to be addressed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Infection control practitioners' perceptions and educational needs regarding bioterrorism: results from a national needs assessment survey.

BACKGROUND: The perceived threat that biological weapons will be used in an act of terror against the United States has escalated sharply since the discovery of anthrax-tainted letters after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These events underscore the critical nature of health care and public health preparedness and the need to augment infection control practitioner education and training. METHODS: Between October 2000 and August 2001 a national needs assessment was conducted by use of a 35-question survey. The survey measured infection control practitioners' (ICPs') perception of the risk for bioterrorism in the United States and in their community, the proportion of ICPs with prior training in bioterrorism preparedness, and preferences for delivery media of future bioterrorism education. RESULTS: The assessment of the perceived threat of bioterrorism in the United States during the next 5 years (P =.022) and in the ICPs' work community (P <.001) revealed significant regional differences. Only half (56%) of the respondents reported prior training in bioterrorism preparedness. Respondents reported that the 2 most common barriers to receiving training were lack of training opportunities (70.2%) or no dedicated work time for training (19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate an urgent need for more resources and opportunities for clinical education in bioterrorism preparedness that will provide continuing education credit. Successful bioterrorism education will require a variety of instructional designs and media delivery methods to address ICPs' preferences and needs.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMed2002

Terrorism from a public health perspective.

The use of biological and chemical weapons as agents of warfare and terrorism has occurred sporadically, but recent events demonstrate the increasing risk and possibility that terrorist groups with grievances against the government or groups may employ them. Historically, most evaluations of the potential risk for biological weaponry have focused on the military, but the recent release of anthrax in the United States demonstrates that civilian populations are also at risk. More likely than not, most bioterrorism events will be of a small scale; however, agents such as Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis could leave hundreds of thousands dead or incapacitated. The impact of the attack will depend on a number of variables, including the agent used, method of dispersal, and the responsiveness of the public health system. With any large-scale event, the public health infrastructure will be called upon to deal with mass casualties and the "worried well."

Bioterrorism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Theoretical perspectives on public communication preparedness for terrorist attacks.

The experience of federal health authorities in responding to the mailed anthrax attacks in the Fall of 2001 sheds light on the challenges of public information dissemination in emergencies. Lessons learned from the Fall of 2001 have guided more recent efforts related to crisis communication and preparedness goals. This article applies theories and evidence from the field of communication to provide an orientation to how public health communication can best contribute to the preparedness effort. This theoretical orientation provides a framework to systematically assess current recommendations for preparedness communication.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bioterrorism risk perceptions and educational needs of public health professionals before and after September 11, 2001: a national needs assessment survey.

The study objectives were to compare local public health professionals' bioterrorism risk perceptions, the extent of bioterrorism preparedness training, and to describe preferred methods for delivery of preparedness education in the United States. National needs assessments were conducted via a mailed survey to 3,074 local public health departments in October 2000 and November 2001. Compared to a survey conducted in October 2000, the perceived risk of a bioterrorism attack in the United States increased dramatically after September 11 (p < 0.0001); however, 57% of respondents believed one was unlikely to occur within their own community. Public health professionals perceive their own communities to be at low risk for a bioterrorism event. Ongoing, updated, standardized bioterrorism preparedness education is needed.

Bioterrorism↗