Terror alerts via handheld computers

Terror alerts via handheld computers

Doctors will receive memos about biological attacks

The US Government is to issue bioterror alerts to doctors via handheld computers.

The Department of Health and Human Services will test the DocAlert system with more than 700,000 front-line clinicians, around 40% of doctors in the US.

The project will run on e-Pocrates, a nationwide network of handheld computers for doctors.

Test messages will contain a memo on the highest threats from biological terrorist attacks, including anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox and Ebola.

Information at fingertips

The message will also contain web links so doctors can find out additional information about diagnosing and treating the conditions caused by a biological attack.

"This important new project will allow us to harness the power of technology to communicate with many of the doctors, nurses and other clinicians who will be called on to diagnose and treat patients quickly in the event of a bioterrorist attack," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in a statement.

"This will literally allow them to have critical information at their fingertips when they need it most," he added.