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

• Published in: AJPM Focus 2024-02, Vol.3 (1), p.100154-100154, Article 100154
• Main Authors: Vigar, Marissa K., Thuneibat, Muhammad, Jacobi, Amy L., Andújar, Ashley, Roberts, Virginia A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: harmful algal blooms; Health communications; healthcare providers; illness diagnostics
• ISSN: 2773-0654; 2773-0654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100154

•Illnesses caused by harmful algal blooms are difficult to diagnose•A survey of healthcare providers examined confidence and barriers to diagnosis•Few respondents were confident in their ability to diagnose these illnesses•Respondents also cited a lack of knowledge as the most common barrier•Providing information through preferred channels could increase provider confidence Illnesses caused by harmful algal blooms (HABs) can vary in clinical presentation and severity depending on the types of algae, cyanobacteria, or toxins involved, as well as the route and extent of exposure. These illnesses are primarily diagnoses of exclusion due to lack of access to clinical testing for HAB toxins. We used a national survey of healthcare providers to explore self-reported confidence and perceived barriers to diagnosing HAB-associated illnesses. We conducted a descriptive analysis (SAS 9.4) of two questions from a national survey of healthcare providers administered September 14-October 26, 2020 (n=1,503). Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between groups with statistical significance defined as a P