Research Projects

• What we need to know about bioterrorism preparedness:
  Results from focus groups conducted at APIC 2000
  From the Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University.
  Reprint requests: Brooke N. Shadel, PhD, MPH, Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3663 Lindell Blvd, St Louis, MO 63108.
  Copyright © 2001 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
  0196-6553/2001/$35.00 + 0 17/46/119821
  doi:10.1067/mic.2001.119821

• The first priority for the Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections is to conduct a needs assessment of healthcare workers. This needs assessment will use qualitative and quantitative research methods to discern the level interest and concern of health care professionals on the subjects of bioterrorism and emerging infections. In addition, the assessment will address the training content methods to deliver information. The needs assessment will focus on three main research-generating tools. These three methods are (1) telephone interviews (2) mailed questionnaires and (3) focus groups. Specific goals of the needs assessment for health care and public health include:

1. To determine the best medium in which to train and offer expedient information in the event of a crisis.
2. To determine and prioritize the training topics.
3. To understand the most effective way to educate on bioterrorism and emerging disease topics.
4. To evaluate interest in bioterrorism and emerging diseases.
5. To investigate perceived susceptibility in the event of a bioterrorist attack or an emerging disease.

3545 Lafayette • Suite 300 • St. Louis, Missouri 63104 • USA • (314) 977-8257 • Copyright © Saint Louis University