Volume 5, Number 1—February 1999
Dispatch
Preventing Zoonotic Diseases in Immunocompromised Persons: The Role of Physicians and Veterinarians
Table 2
Survey of physicians
| Questions | Responses |
|---|---|
| How often do you encounter or discuss zoonotic diseases in your patient population? | |
| 1=Several times/day; 2=Daily; 3=Weekly; 4=Occasionally; 5=Never | = 4.16a (±0.03)b |
| How comfortable do you feel in advising patients specifically on the animal aspects of transmission and the risks for zoonotic diseases? | |
| 1=Very comfortable to 5=Not comfortable | = 3.69 (±0.05) |
| Should veterinarians be involved in advising clients about the potential for zoonotic disease? | |
| 1=Veterinarian should have primary responsibility; 3=Responsibility should be equal; 5= Physician should have primary responsibility | = 2.77 (±0.05) |
| How involved should veterinarians be in the following areas in reducing transmission of zoonotic disease agents to immunocompromised patients, providing that client confidentiality is maintained? | |
| 1=Very involved to 5=Not involved | |
| - General maintenance of animal health | = 1.62 (±0.06) |
| - Additional zoonotic disease screening of animals | = 1.78 (±0.06) |
| - Zoonoses education for patients | = 2.08 (±0.06) |
| - Consultation for physicians | = 2.12 (±0.06) |
| How often do veterinarians contact you regarding zoonotic diseases? | |
| 1=Several times/week; 2=Several times/month; 3=Several times/year; 4=Rarely; 5=Never | = 4.74 (±0.03) |
| How often do you contact veterinarians for advice on the animal aspects of transmission and risks of zoonotic diseases? | |
| 1=Several times/week; 2=Several times/month; 3=Several times/year; 4=Rarely; 5=Never | = 4.55 (±0.03) |
| How much risk to immunocompromised patients is associated with owning or having contact with the following animals? | |
| 1=Highest risk to 5=Lowest risk | |
| - Bird | = 2.37 (±0.07) |
| - Kitten (<6 months of age) | = 2.47 (±0.08) |
| - Cat | = 2.58 (±0.07) |
| - Reptile | = 2.64 (±0.09) |
| - Farm animals | = 2.94 (±0.08) |
| - Puppy (<6 months of age) | = 3.28 (±0.08) |
| - Dog | = 3.69 (±0.06) |
aMean of all respondents.
b± Standard error of the mean.
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