Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011
This Week's News
Disaster medicine journal analyzes health impact of 9/11 attacks in special issue
CMS releases final 2012 ePrescribing penalty policy; concerns remain
AMA calls for improvements to Medicare proposed fee schedule rule
AMA members: Register today for Dr. Carmel's next Office Hours call
Special Feature
Disaster medicine journal analyzes health impact of 9/11 attacks in special issue
Physicians can learn about the health impacts of major disasters and approaches to treating survivors and responders in the latest issue of the AMA's Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, this issue focuses on the physical and mental health effects on survivors and first responders of the World Trade Center attack.
Two key studies were released today in advance of the full issue, which will be made available at 1 p.m. Eastern time Sept. 9.
The first study explores the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors of severe terrorist incidents. Evaluating a sample of employees who worked at the World Trade Center and in the adjacent vicinity, the study found that PTSD was prevalent in 35 percent of people directly exposed to danger in the attack.
This finding was consistent with the rate of PTSD among survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, suggesting that one-third of survivors of severe terrorist incidents can be expected to develop PTSD.
The second study evaluates PTSD in firefighters who served at ground zero and examines the relation of smoking, heavy alcohol use, aerodigestive symptoms and decreased exercise to delayed onset of PTSD and the likelihood of recovery. Physicians can earn continuing medical education credit with this article.
Visit the journal's website Sept. 9 to access articles on additional health findings and concerns, including:
- The rise in chronic respiratory problems that have surfaced in first responders, attributed to occupational exposures at the site.
- The effect of the disaster and other large scale events on higher-risk groups, such as veterans.
- The threat of bioterrorism in the 21st century.
For physicians who may be involved in preparedness, response and recovery operations with mass fatalities, the AMA Bookstore offers a new publication for purchase. Death in Large Numbers: The Science, Policy, and Management of Mass Fatality Events provides critical information for these physicians and highlights the inherent implications surrounding mass fatality events.
In addition, the AMA's new CitizenReady® guide helps patients prepare for disasters and public health emergencies. Topics range from preparing a disaster supply kit and knowing what to do when a disaster strikes to dealing with the emotional impact of surviving a disaster.
