An online education program improved physicians' knowledge about the diagnosis and management of diseases caused by bioterrorism agents, such as anthrax, smallpox and plague, according to a study in the September 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
In the event of a biologic attack, physicians will be first responders and represent the front line of defense, but little is known about the ability of physicians to appropriately diagnose and treat patients infected with bioterrorism agents, according to background information in the article. Physicians who are not prepared might be effectively taught to diagnose and treat patients presenting with any of these diseases through computer-assisted instruction, the authors suggest.
Sara E. Cosgrove, M.D., M.S., of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, and colleagues conducted an online educational program for physicians from 30 internal medicine residency programs in 16 states and Washington, D.C. between July 1, 2003 and June 10, 2004. Six hundred thirty-one physicians completed the course, including a pretest assessment of their knowledge about diagnosis and management of cases of smallpox, anthrax, botulism and plague and a post-test assessment following the completion of the course.