Bioterrorism-Related Training Programs for Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study determined the status and outcomes of bioterrorism-related training programs for healthcare workers. While media-based education/training uses simulations, games, and web-based programs, evidence of their effectiveness and relevant systematic reviews remain scarce. This systematic review focused on articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Research Information Sharing Service between January 1, 1990 and September 17, 2023. Among 2,592 identified articles, literature quality was assessed in 12 articles. In the most articles, bioterrorism-related knowledge and problem-solving ability significantly increased following interventions. However, quality assessment results provided insufficient evidence regarding improvement in healthcare workers’ preparedness to face bioterrorism after undergoing bioterrorism-related training programs. Developing easily accessible and regularly implemented bioterrorism training programs for healthcare workers could enhance their preparedness toward terrorism and provide high-quality evidence for effective bioterrorism responses.