Bioterrorism: A Guide for Hospital Preparedness

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.

Table of Contents:
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