Unusual biological events (UBEs) pose a distinct challenge for emergency preparedness. Not only are these events rare and difficult to detect, but they also pose clear hazards for both medical personnel and their families. Distinct skills include identifying UBEs and activating institutional and national response. Staff attendance and confidence in the health system play a vital role in effective management of UBEs. The Israeli Ministry of health conducts yearly drills on the personal, institutional, and national response to UBEs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various educational tools and personnel characteristics on personnel skills, views, and compliance to participate in the management of UBEs.

As part of the preparations for an institutional drill in the Tel Aviv Medical Center, several educational methods were employed. These included e-mail notifications, computer-based self learning, publication of an institutional protocol, tabletop drills, personal briefings, and finally, a large scale exercise. Questionnaires regarding personnel characteristics, participation in pre-drill education, personal views, compliance, and familiarity of institutional protocols and selected diseases were distributed.

Age, family status, and years of experience had no significant influence on personal views. Confidence in the health system increased with experience. Intensity of training had significant positive effect on personal confidence and compliance to attend work during a UBE, however it did not appear to significantly influence personal views or medical knowledge.

Comprehensive education and exercise of personnel is beneficial effect in terms of personal confidence and work attendance during UBEs. Specific educational tools, such as self-learning software, increase proficiency.