This is the first of a series of Bioterrorism Preparedness Training Courses for Community-Based Pharmacists and Nurses, addressing the new roles healthcare professionals need to assume during a biodisaster event. Information is provided on the clinical management of the Class A bioterrorism agents, how to conduct surveillance for a bio-event, and how these new roles interact with other non-healthcare professionals. The overall emphasis is on the importance of communities- large and small- working together in times of crisis.

As seen during and after Katrina, it does not have to be a biodisaster event for the information presented in these courses to be relevant. The importance of existing relationships between healthcare professionals and community responders is critical. The establishment of relationships, training together as a team, and knowing the strengths each professional brings into a crisis situation is vital whether the disaster is man-made or natural.

Community-Based Pharmacists and Nurses

An overview statement about each course follows this section. Each course must be registered individually. If you have received ACPE continuing education credits for other UIC sponsored Bioterrorism Preparedness programs (ACPE UPN: 016-999-04-012-L04 and 016-000-05-007-L04), you will be unable to receive ACPE continuing education credits for these courses.

Outline of Full Program

Course I: Facing Bioterrorism

This course will look at the global history of bioterrorism and its impact on how we view the acts of bioterrorism and how we can respond to such acts if they should occur in our communities.

Course II: The Process of Surveillance

For community based health care professionals this webcast will provide an overview of what indicates if a bioterrorism problem is brewing, what questions need to be asked, with whom do you need to be in communications, and what responses are called for depending on the agents involved.

Course III: A Coordinated Community Response (Part 1)

This course will provide practical suggestions about how to protect yourself and others during a bio-event.

Course IV: A Coordinated Community Response (Part 2)

This webcast will discuss the diagnosis, treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis for the Class A biological agents associated with bioterrorism.

Course V: Liability and Preparedness: Avoiding the Pitfalls

This course will present the legal aspects associated with being a volunteer pharmacist and nurses during and after bio-hazard events or disasters.

 

• Reinforce the need for bioterrorism preparedness and the importance of involving community health practitioners.
• Identify historical examples of biological or chemical events and the challenges these events generated on emergency and healthcare personnel and community resources.

Faculty:
Heather Eyrich, PharmD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
UIC, College of Pharmacy

Disclosure: This faculty member has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.

The Frequently Asked Questions section will supply answers to the most common questions associated with bioterror events.