Investigation on capability to identify bioterrorist attacks among some community health workers in Shanghai

ObjectiveTo ascertain the ability of medical and health staff in Shanghai to identify and respond to bioterrorism attack incidents at the community level.

MethodsSix communities were selected in Pudong and Minhang with lots of densely crowded public places or mass gatherings or major transportation hubs or government offices.A total of 30 medical and health staff were individually interviewed from the hospitals, community health service center or government.The content of the interview included their ability to identify bioterrorism attack incidents, and to respond to bioterrorism attack incidents, and whether they had any suggestions for dealing with incidents in this regard.

ResultsIt was found that 93.4% of the medical and health staff understood bioterrorism attack incidents correctly and completely.And 90.0% believed that bioterrorism attack caused by airborne, water-borne bacteria or viral biological agents was the type of attack that Shanghai may encounter.The focus of the attack was on crowded places, mass gatherings, important government departments, kindergartens and schools.And 93.3% of the medical and health staff were not familiar with China′s strategy, policy or relevant laws and regulations for the prevention and control of bioterrorism.And 96.7% said that the unit did not formulate a plan for the prevention and control of bioterrorism; 76.7% said that the hospitals or communities reserved capacity was insufficient; 80.0% of them had not received relevant training and exercise.

ConclusionShanghai community medical and health institutions have not established response system for the prevention and control of bioterrorism.The ability of medical and health staff in Shanghai to identify and respond to bioterrorism attack incidents at the community level needs to be strengthened.