Abstract

Abstract:

Background. In the United States, when an individual is bitten by an animal there are many levels of care they may seek, including seeing their primary care provider, an urgent care provider, or by going to an emergency room. In any of these settings, it is not unlikely that they may be treated by an advanced practice practitioner (APP). Due to rabies being nearly 100% fatal once symptoms have manifested, it is important to understand the knowledge that APPs have concerning rabies.

Methods. A survey was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 which evaluated APPs knowledge of rabies treatment and management. Seventy-four APPs were surveyed; sixteen were from the south-east (SE). Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the survey results.

Results. Three-quarters of the SE participants reported that their preceptors did not discuss rabies with them (75%) and two-thirds did not feel as though their education prepared them to handle rabies cases (63%). Participants had difficulties correctly identifying animals that are likely to carry rabies and bodily fluids that are likely to transmit rabies. Less than half of the SE participants were able to correctly identify the proper vaccination schedule (47%), proper site to administer immunoglobulin (13%), and time until a rabid animal dies (33%). Participants also had difficulties identifying low-risk countries when traveling and high-risk occupations, and many also reported that they do not discuss rabies with patients who are traveling or work in high-risk occupations.

Conclusion. While deaths associated with rabies in the United States may be low, it is imperative that APPs have a strong understanding of rabies to ensure that patients are properly treated. Public health professionals in Georgia need to take a stance of strong initial and continuing education that properly prepares medical professionals to manage and educate patients on rabies so that the health of Georgians is protected.

Keywords

Rabies, Environmental Health, medical education, animal bites, health education

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

South-Eastern provider knowledge gaps in rabies education, management, and treatment

Abstract:

Background. In the United States, when an individual is bitten by an animal there are many levels of care they may seek, including seeing their primary care provider, an urgent care provider, or by going to an emergency room. In any of these settings, it is not unlikely that they may be treated by an advanced practice practitioner (APP). Due to rabies being nearly 100% fatal once symptoms have manifested, it is important to understand the knowledge that APPs have concerning rabies.

Methods. A survey was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 which evaluated APPs knowledge of rabies treatment and management. Seventy-four APPs were surveyed; sixteen were from the south-east (SE). Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the survey results.

Results. Three-quarters of the SE participants reported that their preceptors did not discuss rabies with them (75%) and two-thirds did not feel as though their education prepared them to handle rabies cases (63%). Participants had difficulties correctly identifying animals that are likely to carry rabies and bodily fluids that are likely to transmit rabies. Less than half of the SE participants were able to correctly identify the proper vaccination schedule (47%), proper site to administer immunoglobulin (13%), and time until a rabid animal dies (33%). Participants also had difficulties identifying low-risk countries when traveling and high-risk occupations, and many also reported that they do not discuss rabies with patients who are traveling or work in high-risk occupations.

Conclusion. While deaths associated with rabies in the United States may be low, it is imperative that APPs have a strong understanding of rabies to ensure that patients are properly treated. Public health professionals in Georgia need to take a stance of strong initial and continuing education that properly prepares medical professionals to manage and educate patients on rabies so that the health of Georgians is protected.