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Knowledge of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome among Community Physicians, Nurses, and Emergency Medical Responders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Alan Douglas Tice ,
Mitsumasa Kishimoto ,
Chuong Hoang Dinh ,
Geoffrey Tak-Kin Lam  and
Michelle Marineau
Alan Douglas Tice*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Mitsumasa Kishimoto
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Chuong Hoang Dinh
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Geoffrey Tak-Kin Lam
Affiliation:
University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Michelle Marineau
Affiliation:
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
*
Alan D. Tice, MD Department of Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University Tower–7th floor, 1356 Lusitana Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2427, USA E-mail: alantice@idlinks.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

The preparedness levels of front-line clinicians including physicians, nurses, emergency medical responders (EMRs), and other medical staff working in clinics, offices and ambulatory care centers must be assessed, so these personnel are able to deal with communicable and potentially lethal diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In order to determine the knowledge of these clinicians, a survey of their understanding of SARS and their use of educational resources was administered.

Methods:

A questionnaire was distributed to physicians, nurses, and EMRs attending conferences on SARS in the summer of 2003. Questions related to information sources, knowledge of SARS, and plans implemented in their workplace to deal with it. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (10.1 Program, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois).

Results:

A total of 201 community healthcare providers (HCPs) participated in the study. A total of 51% of the participants correctly identified the incubation period of SARS; 48% correctly identified the symptoms of SARS; and 60% knew the recommended infection control precautions to take for families. There was little difference in knowledge among the physicians, nurses, and EMRs evaluated. Media outlets such as newspapers, journals, television, and radio were reported as the main sources of information on SARS. However, there appears to be a growing use of the Internet, which correlated best with the correct answers on symptoms of SARS. Fewer than one-third of respondents were aware of a protocol for SARS in their workplace. A total of 60% reported that N-95 masks were available in their workplace.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest the need for more effective means of education and training for front-line clinicians, as well as the institution of policies and procedures in medical offices, clinics, and emergency services in the community.

Keywords

communityeducationhealthcare workersmediapreparednesssevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 3 , June 2006 , pp. 183 - 189
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2006

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