Physicians and nurses are integral components of the public health bioterrorism surveillance system. However, most published bioterrorism preparedness surveys focus on gathering information related to selfassessed knowledge or perceived needs and abilities.

A survey of physicians and nurses in Hawaii was conducted to assess objective knowledge regarding bioterrorism agents and diseases and perceived response readiness for a bioterrorism event.

During June and July 2004, an anonymous survey was mailed up to three times to a random sample of all licensed physicians and nurses residing in Hawaii.

The response rate was 45% (115 of 255) for physicians and 53% (146 of 278) for nurses. Previous bioterrorism preparedness training associated significantly with knowledge-based test performance in both groups. Only 20% of physicians or nurses had had previous training in bioterrorism preparedness, and <15% felt able to respond effectively to a bioterrorism event. But, >70% expressed willingness to assist the state in the event of a bioterrorist attack.

Additional bioterrorism preparedness training should be made available through continuing education and also should become a component of both medical and nursing school curricula. It is important to provide the knowledge necessary for physicians and nurses to improve their ability to perform in the event of a bioterrorist attack.