PREPAREDNESS OF HOSPITALS FOR MEDICAL PROVISION TO VICTIMS OF RADIOLOGICAL TERRORISM

Objective: To assess the competence, training and preparedness of hospital personnel in Sofia, to provide medical care to victims of radiological terrorism and radiological accidents. Design: We performed a cross-sectional survey using three questionnaires. Setting: 10 hospitals for active treatment in Sofia. Participants: 19 managers, 131 doctors, 152 nurses and laboratory technicians for a total of 302 respondents. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measure: We found good theoretical knowledge among physicians on the necessary medical provision in the first hours after a radiological accident, but we deem it insufficient for an adequate reaction to a large number of casualties in psychological shock, after nuclear contamination. Results: We found that hospital personnel would not ignore patients and leave them without care in the face of realization that specific competence is lacking. Conclusions: We found considerable deficits in, or lack thereof theoretical and practical training in dealing with victims of radiological terrorism both among nurses and laboratory technicians, and physicians, which underlines the need for offering such training.