Chemical, biological and nerve gas attacks: need for education among healthcare personnel and medical students; a Swedish regional cross-sectional web-survey
2024

Need for Education on Chemical, Biological, and Nerve Gas Attacks Among Healthcare Workers and Medical Students

Sample size: 139 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Castellheim Albert Gyllencreutz, Persson Gustav, Kuikka Juuso, Babinski Karol, Robinson Yohan, Taube Fabian

Primary Institution: University of Gothenburg

Hypothesis

What are the educational needs of healthcare personnel and medical students regarding chemical, biological, and nerve gas events?

Conclusion

Healthcare personnel and medical students in Sweden perceive a significant need for education and training in managing chemical, biological, and nerve gas incidents.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants showed low competency in identifying and managing chemical, biological, and nerve gas agents.
  • High percentages of respondents expressed a need for further education in handling CBRNE incidents.
  • Most participants rated their prior education in these areas as insufficient.

Takeaway

Doctors and medical students in Sweden feel they need more training to handle dangerous chemical and biological attacks.

Methodology

Three web-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted to assess knowledge and perceptions regarding chemical, biological, and nerve gas events.

Potential Biases

The low response rate may lead to selection bias, as respondents might have pre-existing knowledge in the field.

Limitations

The study had a low response rate of approximately 16%, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The study included 139 participants, with 61 females and 78 males, comprising both healthcare personnel and medical students.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12909-024-06488-7

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