Healthcare Provider Confidence and Perceived Barriers to Diagnosing Illness Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms

• DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100154
• Publication Date: 2023-10-05T01:18:02Z
• Authors: Marissa K. Vigar; Muhammad Thuneibat; Amy L. Jacobi; Ashley Andújar; Virginia A. Roberts
• Keywords: Outreach; Low Confidence

Illnesses caused by harmful algal blooms can vary in clinical presentation and severity depending on the types of algae, cyanobacteria, or toxins involved as well route extent exposure. These illnesses are primarily diagnoses exclusion owing to lack access testing for bloom toxins. We used a national survey healthcare providers explore self-reported confidence perceived barriers diagnosing bloom-associated illnesses.We conducted descriptive analysis (SAS 9.4) 2 questions from administered September 14-October 26, 2020 (N=1,503). Chi-square tests were assess differences between groups, with statistical significance defined p<0.05.Most (68%) reported little no their ability identify blooms, 17% confident very confident, 15% not seeing patients these illnesses. Responses differed specialization, work setting, sex, experience, whether pediatric seen, number seen. Respondents regularly using resources such newspapers (31%), professional societies (29%), government health agencies (26%) increased confidence. Of 1,283 (85%) respondents who asked about accurately illnesses, 71% selected knowledge barrier.Provider identifying was low, identified primary barrier, suggesting that more outreach education needed. Tailoring information specific provider audiences providing it through highly frequented channels could increase providers'