Bioterrorism Information System as the Most Effective Tool in Management of Bioterrorism

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Bioterrorism Information System is for real-time and reliable reporting in order to identify bioterrorism attacks. This system is considered as the most important tool in the management of bioterrorism. A major step in management of these attacks is early identification and subsequent timely response to bioterrorism attacks. The effects of such a system depend on its features and capabilities. This study aims to investigate the features and capabilities of Bioterrorism Information System in effective management of bioterrorism attacks. Method:To accomplish this review study, 98 articles including the key words of Sentinel Surveillance, Disease Outbreaks, Biosurveillance Bioterrorism and Information Systems were originally derived from the ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. 98 articles dated 1980-2017 were found of which 58 were analytically identified as the main ones according to the content.Results: Based on this study, the features and capabilities of Bioterrorism Information Systems were in the top 10 categories. Diverse data resources relying on superior technologies, Environmental surveillance, Laboratory and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, Event-based surveillance, Coding models and vocabulary standard, Robust, automatic, and timely processing and statistical analysis system, Communication networks ,Problem solving methodology and anthology, Information sharing and distribution technologies, Legal and security requirements were found as features and capabilities of the bioterrorism information system in its effective management process. Conclusion:Early detection of bioterrorism is an important step in managing bioterrorism events. If the Bioterrorism Information System is properly designed, it will more effectively manage bioterrorism attacks by relying on its capabilities and technologies.