NCJ Number
193157
Journal
Clinical Infectious Diseases Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: January 15, 2002 Pages: 217-223
Date Published
January 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the integration of the public or nonprofessionals in bioterrorism policy discussions and response planning through a proposed set of guidelines.
Abstract
In the past, bioterrorism policy discussion and response planning efforts have neglected the ability of the public in participating and assisting in the response to an act of bioterrorism. The public was viewed as impeding an effective response. However, the lack of public involvement could hamper effective management of an epidemic and increase the possibility of social disruption. The planning and strategy development for potential acts of bioterrorism should include the enlistment of the public as essential and capable partners. Yet, this requires increasing the public’s awareness of their roles and responsibilities after an attack. This article presents five guidelines to improve planning for and the response to the release of a biological weapon by increasing the involvement of the public: (1) recognize that panic is rare and preventable and create a positive and constructive role for the general public; (2) enlist the general public as a capable partner; (3) think beyond the hospital for mass-casualty care and plan for the possibility of home-based treatment and supportive care arrangements; (4) provide timely information during and after an attack for public reassurance; and (5) public health officials and government leaders must nurture the general population’s trust and confidence when large-scale disease containment measures are necessary. The public’s response to future threats of bioterrorism could depend on how and to what extent decision-makers activate strategies that vaccinate against the risk that the public will distrust them, rely on misinformation, and would be excluded from participation in decision-making.