Computerized Bioterrorism Education and Training for Nurses on Bioterrorism Attack Agents

• Published in: The Journal of continuing education in nursing Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 375 - 384
• Main Authors: Nyamathi, Adeline M, Casillas, Adrian, King, Major L, Gresham, Louise, Pierce, Elaine, Farb, Daniel, Wiechmann, Carrie, Weichmann, Carrie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01.08.2010
• Subjects: Anthrax; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attrition (Research Studies); Biological & chemical terrorism; Bioterrorism - prevention & control; California; Clinical Competence; Competence; Computer-Assisted Instruction - methods; Consultation Programs; Diagnostic tests; Disaster Planning - organization & administration; Education; Education, Nursing, Continuing - methods; Educational Measurement; Emergency preparedness; Faculty, Nursing; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Instructional Effectiveness; Internet; Mortality; Mortality Rate; Multivariate Analysis; Neural Networks (Computer); Nurses; Nursing; Nursing Education; Nursing Education Research; Nursing Staff, Hospital - education; Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology; Physicians; Pretests Posttests; Problem solving; Problem-Based Learning - methods; Program Evaluation; School nurses; Smallpox; Teacher Effectiveness; Teaching Methods; Terrorism; Test Items; Training; War; California; United States > US
• ISSN: 0022-0124; 1938-2472
• DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20100503-01

Background: Biological agents have the ability to cause large-scale mass casualties. For this reason, their likely use in future terrorist attacks is a concern for national security. Recent studies show that nurses are ill prepared to deal with agents used in biological warfare. Achieving a goal for bioterrorism preparedness is directly linked to comprehensive education and training that enables first-line responders such as nurses to diagnose infectious agents rapidly. Methods: The study evaluated participants’ responses to biological agents using a computerized bioterrorism education and training program versus a standard bioterrorism education and training program. Results: Both programs improved participants’ ability to complete and solve case studies involving the identification of specific biological agents. Conclusion: Participants in the computerized bioterrorism education and training program were more likely to solve the cases critically without reliance on expert consultants. However, participants in the standard bioterrorism education and training program reduced the use of unnecessary diagnostic tests.