Bioterrorism Core Competencies

A competency is “a broad composite statement detailing a complex, yet observable, set of behaviors reflecting components of knowledge, skills, and attitudes” (Spear, 2002, pg, 2).

There are a number of documents that outline core competencies related to bioterrorism and disaster preparedness, each of which is specific to an occupation and/or profession. Individuals should become familiar with the competencies that are specific to their profession and strive to meet these competencies.

The following is a partial listing of Core Competencies for Healthcare and Public Health Professionals related to bioterrorism and/or disaster preparedness.

1) Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing. (2001). Core public health worker competencies for emergency preparedness and response. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control. Accessed March 11, 2003 from: http://www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu/CPHP/cdc/COMPETENCIES.pdf

2) Center for Public Health Preparedness, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Center for Health Policy, Columbia University, School of Nursing. (2004). Emergency preparedness and response competencies for hospital workers. Accessed April 14, 2005 from: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/sph/CPHP/hospcomps.pdf

3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). Training future physicians about weapons of mass destruction: Report of the expert panel on bioterrorism education for medical students. Accessed March 11, 2003 from: http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/bioterrorism/bioterrorismrec.pdf

4) International Nursing Coalition for Mass Casualty Education. (2003). Educational competencies for registered nurses responding to mass casualty incidents. Accessed August 21, 2005 from: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/nursing/coalitions/INCMCE/educomps.pdf

5) Task Force of Health Care and Emergency Services Professionals on Preparedness for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Incidents. (2001) Final Report: Developing objectives, content, and competencies for the training of emergency medical technicians, emergency physicians, and emergency nurses to care for casualties resulting from nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) incidents (Contract No. 282-98-0037). American College of Emergency Physicians. Accessed March 11, 2003 from: http://www.emergency-management.net/pdf/acep.pdf

Reference:
Spear, T. (2002). Competency based training on bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Available from: http://www.hsrnet.net/ahrq/surgecapacity/event1/materials.htm

Questions involving the content of these lists may be directed to Terri Rebmann, PhDc, RN, CIC, Associate Director for Curricular Affairs, Institute for Biosecurity, at (314) 977-8260.