Hospital preparedness for bioterrorism.

James D. Bentley, PhDa I have been asked to address what happens when, despite the best detection, the best prevention, and the best information, people get sick in a bioterrorism attack and end up in the hospital. The hospital is the likely source of care because it is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s where you and I, our friends, and our neighbors assume we’re going to get care in an emergency. The question before us is, what are the challenges facing hospitals as they confront the potential for bioterrorism? I’d like to share thoughts in three areas with you.