| An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: improving communication to reduce mortality during bioterrorism responses. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 18522248 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: To identify communication needs and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative communication strategies for bioterrorism responses. METHODS: We provide a framework for evaluating communication needs during a bioterrorism response. Then, using a simulation model of a hypothetical response to anthrax bioterrorism in a large metropolitan area, we evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative strategies for communication during a response. RESULTS: Expected mortality increases significantly with increases in the time for attack detection and announcement; decreases in the rate at which exposed individuals seek and receive prophylaxis; increases in the number of unexposed people seeking prophylaxis; and increases in workload imbalances at dispensing centers. Thus, the timeliness, accuracy, and precision of communications about the mechanisms of exposure and instructions for obtaining prophylaxis and treatment are critical. Investment in strategies that improve adherence to prophylaxis is likely to be highly cost effective, even if the improvement in adherence is modest, and even if such strategies reduce the prophylaxis dispensing rate. CONCLUSIONS: Communication during the response to a bioterror attack must involve the right information delivered at the appropriate time in an effective manner from trusted sources. Because the response system for bioterror communication is only fully operationalized once an attack has occurred, tabletop planning and simulation exercises, and other up-front investments in the design of an effective communication strategy, are critical for effective response planning. |
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Authors:
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Margaret L Brandeau; Gregory S Zaric; Johannes Freiesleben; Frances L Edwards; Dena M Bravata |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. |
Journal Detail:
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Title: American journal of disaster medicine Volume: 3 ISSN: 1932-149X ISO Abbreviation: Am J Disaster Med Publication Date: 2008 Mar-Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2008-06-04 Completed Date: 2008-08-28 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101291100 Medline TA: Am J Disaster Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 65-78 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, California, USA. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Anthrax
/
drug therapy,
mortality,
prevention & control Bioterrorism / economics, prevention & control*, statistics & numerical data Civil Defense / organization & administration Communication* Computer Simulation Cost-Benefit Analysis Disaster Planning / economics*, organization & administration Emergency Medical Services / organization & administration Humans Survival Rate United States |
| Grant Support | |
ID/Acronym/Agency:
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290-02-0017//PHS HHS |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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