Teleconferences are tops for bioterrorism training
Teleconferences are an effective way to reach geographically diverse groups and train large numbers of clinicians on bioterrorism preparedness, according to a report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Furthermore, satellite teleconferences may be as effective as classroom training, according to the report, which was produced by the AHRQ Evidence-Based Practice Center at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The report, Training of Clinicians for Public Health Events Relevant to Bioterrorism Preparedness, reviewed 60 studies on the most — and least — effective strategies for training clinicians in bioterrorism preparedness. Models used included infectious disease outbreaks and hospital disaster drill training.
Disaster drill training appears to improve clinicians’ knowledge of the disaster plan and allows them to identify problems in plan execution. However, the scarcity of studies on this type of training made it difficult for researchers to draw conclusions about the overall efficacy of drills as a way to help prepare for a bioterrorist event. In fact, the report points out that few preparedness training programs have been rigorously evaluated. The report provides a framework for developing evidence-based educational programs.
"This information will help health care leaders select educational strategies for frontline staff who are likely to be involved in the assessment and management of victims of a bioterrorist attack," says Lisa Simpson, MD, AHRQ deputy director. A summary of the report is available by calling the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse at (800) 358-9295 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Copies of the full report will be available in March.
[Editor’s note: American Health Consultants will present Disaster Planning and Bioterrorism: Is Your Hospital Prepared? a 60-minute audio conference that will explain step-by-step how to develop a sustainable, long-range bioterrorism and disaster plan. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, it will be presented by Bettina M. Stopford, RN, clinical supervisor, USPHS National Medical Response Team, and Robert E. Suter, DO, MHA, FACEP, president, Texas Emergency Physicians, PA. The facility fee is $249 for Healthcare Risk Management subscribers, which includes free CE and CME for your entire staff. To register, call (800) 688-2421 or go to www.ahcpub.com.]
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