AHRQ Helps Clinicians, Health Systems, and Policymakers
Practical Science-based Advice Emerging from AHRQ's Research
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) investment in bioterrorism research derives from the recognition that clinicians, hospitals, and health care systems have essential roles in the public health infrastructure. Specific examples of products or tools supported by AHRQ that are currently available or will soon be available include the following.
Helping Clinicians Respond
CME Training Modules on Bioterrorism Available Online
Working under contracts from AHRQ, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Research Triangle Institute have developed training modules to teach health professionals how to address varied biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. The biological agents covered on the Web site are anthrax, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, viral hemorrhagic fever, and plagues. The Web site also includes modules designed specifically for:
- Emergency room practitioners.
- Radiologists.
- Pathologists.
- Infection control specialists.
The Web site is: http://www.bioterrorism.uab.edu.
A Report on Most Effective Methods for Training Clinicians
An AHRQ-funded evidence report from Johns Hopkins University that assesses the best methods to train clinicians for rare public health events, particularly bioterrorism, is undergoing peer review and will be available shortly. A quick reference summary will also be available. As soon as the summary and the report are completed, they will be made available on AHRQ's Web site at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm.
Helping Systems Respond
Assessing the Preparedness of Your Hospital or System
Through collaboration with the University of Maryland, Emory University, and the District of Columbia Hospital Association, Booz-Allen has developed a questionnaire (PDF File, 135 KB [PDF Help]; Text Version) that can help you to assess the current level of preparedness of your hospital or health system and your capacity to respond to bioterrorist attacks. This questionnaire has already been requested and shared with the Department of Defense, with planned distribution to the Military Treatment Facilities to assess their current bioterrorism response readiness.
Developing Better Approaches for Responding to Major Bioterrorism Events
In collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, AHRQ's Integrated Delivery System Research Network based at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, have developed a computer simulation model for citywide response planning for bioterrorist attacks. This model for mass prophylaxis in the event of a bioterrorist attack will be validated by a live exercise funded by the Department of Justice.
Recognizing and Reporting Manifestations of a Possible Bioterrorist Attack
Working under a contract from AHRQ, researchers at Children's Hospital of Boston are exploring the feasibility of building decision support models for information systems of linked health care data. These information systems would help to link the public health infrastructure with the clinical care delivery system to speed reporting and enhance rapid dissemination of relevant information.
Information technology investigators at Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon working under a contract from AHRQ have been evaluating the data elements needed for integrated and effective detection systems for a bioterrorist event. A preliminary report from the contractor is undergoing peer review and a quick reference summary will be prepared.
Helping State and Local Policymakers to Respond
AHRQ's User Liaison Program (ULP) is planning an audio teleconference for State and local health policymakers to inform them of related research findings that could help them assess and strengthen the capacity of the health care system within their jurisdictions. Program planning is now under way and the program is expected to be aired in Spring 2002. For additional information, senior State and local government officials can contact ULP at info@ahrq.gov.
For Additional Information
AHRQ's bioterrorism research is coordinated through its Center for Primary Care Research. For additional information, contact:
Helen Burstin, M.D.
Director, Center for Primary Care Research
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
540 Gaither Road, Suite 6000
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 427-1500
Fax: (301) 427-1595
E-mail: Helen.Burstin@ahrq.hhs.gov
Sally Phillips, R.N., Ph.D.
Nurse Scholar, Center for Primary Care Research
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
540 Gaither Road, Suite 6000
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 427-1571
Fax: (301) 427-1595
E-mail: Sally.Phillips@ahrq.hhs.gov
Current as of October 2001
Internet Citation:
Responding to Bioterrorism: AHRQ Helps Clinicians, Health Systems, and Policymakers. October 2001. Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/bioterr.htm
540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850