Assessing the readiness and training needs of non-urban physicians in public health emergency and response

Chiehwen Ed Hsu, Francisco Soto Mas, Holly Jacobson, Richard Papenfuss, Ella T. Nkhoma, James Zoretic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Emergency readiness has become a public health priority for United States communities after the 9/11 attacks. Communities that have a less developed public health infrastructure are challenged to organize preparedness and response efforts and to ensure that health care providers are capable of caring for victims of terrorist acts. A survey was used to assess non-urban physicians' prior experience with and self-confidence in treating, and preferred training needs for responding to chemical, biologic, radiologic, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) cases. Data were collected through a mailed and Web-based survey. Although the response rate was calculated at 30%, approximately one third of the surveys were not able to be delivered. Most respondents reported never having seen or treated CBRNE-inflicted cases and were not confident in their ability to diagnose or treat CBRNE cases, but many were willing to participate in a state-led response plan. Almost half of the individuals had not participated in any related training but expressed interest in receiving training in small group workshops or through CD-ROM. These results provide potential direction for strategic preparedness planning for non-urban health care providers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)106-111
Number of pages6
JournalDisaster Management and Response
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005 Oct

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Nursing
  • Emergency Medicine

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