1st Edition

Bioterrorism A Guide for Hospital Preparedness

    388 Pages 29 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    In the battle against bioterrorism, one of the greatest challenges is finding the ideal balance between complacency and overreaction. The goal is to be so well prepared that we can prevent catastrophic outcomes in the event of a bioterrorist attack, while strengthening our ability to prevent and treat naturally-occurring infectious diseases.

    Bioterrorism: A Guide for Hospital Preparedness provides critical guidelines for health providers on effectively preparing for bioterrorism. The book presents information on all aspects of dealing with bioterrorism including the likeliest biological agents to be used, means of determining that an attack is taking place, diagnosis and management of specific diseases, and mechanisms of reporting to public health authorities. The text reviews cooperative planning for private practitioners, methods for protecting hospital and office staff and other patients in the event of an attack, approaches to handling the psychological effects of terrorism, special considerations concerning the care of children, and strategies for answering questions posed by the public and the media. It also includes data from national and regional exercises in assessing preparedness, with suggestions for implementing lessons learned from these exercises.

    With bioterrorism on the fine line between risk and reality, it is essential for health care providers to be properly equipped for every situation. This comprehensive guide features solid strategies for establishing and maintaining an attainable level of preparation in the ever-present risk of bioterrorism.

    Section I: The Scope of the Problem for Hospitals
    The Historical and Political Context of Bioterrorism Concerns About Bioterrorism
    The Public Health System's State of Readiness

    Section II: Improving Hospital Readiness and Response
    Hospital Preparations and Needs
    Targeting Staff Education
    Psychological Factors in Dealing with Patients and the Public
    Managing Stress on Hospital Staff
    Communicating Through the Media
    Frequently-Asked Questions About Bioterrorism

    Section III: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Likely Biological Agents
    Likely Agents of Bioterrorism
    Diagnosis and Management of Agents of Bioterrorism
    Meeting the Unique Needs of Children
    The Role of Clinicians in Private Practice or Clinic Settings in Responding to a Biological Attack
    Internet Sources of Information

    Section IV: Tabletop Exercises
    Plague
    Smallpox
    Anthrax
    Ricin
    Hemorrhagic Fever
    Botulism

    Section V: Appendix
    Drug and Vaccine Compendium
    Smallpox Vaccination
    National Readiness Exercises

    Biography

    Joseph R. Masci M.D., Elizabeth Bass