Virtual simulated patients for bioterrorism preparedness training.

Prior to the Anthrax outbreaks of 2001, a need for better training of medical, emergency-response, and public health personnel in responding to mass casualties from terrorist incidents had been identified [1]. Last year, Catlett et al. [2] reported that educational interventions have been more effective when they have combined interactive techniques, such as case discussion, simulated patients, and hands-on workshops. Furthermore, 75% of family physicians surveyed last fall said they were not prepared to respond to a bioterrorist attack [3]. To meet this need, we developed and evaluated a patient simulator for training clinicians in identifying and treating bioterrorism diseases.