MULTIPROVIDER SYSTEMS AS FIRST LINE RESPONDERS TO BIOTERRORISM EVENTS: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

The possibility of a bioterrorism event haunts all healthcare organizations. We believe a bioterrorism event is more likely in an urban area, and that urban multiprovider systems will be the “first line healthcare responders.” Due to the lack of empirical research on this topic and firsthand experience with a bioterrorism event, this paper will provide the theoretical underpinnings to support the rationale for multiprovider systems as “first responders.” This chapter outlines the nature and challenges of bioterrorism for a healthcare organization, the likely “state of the art” preparations for such events on the part of the four categories of healthcare organizations, and finally, the implications for the structuring of multiprovider systems to enhance their ability to plan for, and respond to bioterrorism events. Potential future research issues are also addressed.