National Pesticide Practice Skills Guidelines for Medical and Nursing Practice. A Project of the National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Pesticides Initiative

摘要

Pesticide poisoning in the United States remains under-recognized and under-treated. The lack of attention to pesticide poisoning exists in spite of the ubiquity of pesticides in our homes,workplaces, and communities, and despite the considerable potential for pesticide-related illness and injury. Communities expect that their primary care providers will be prepared to deal with pesticide-related health conditions, as well as other environmental illnesses, but often times they are not. This document is part of a national initiative aimed at changing the current situation. The National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Pesticides Initiative has set forth a strategic direction for the nation to improve the recognition,management, and prevention of pesticide-related health conditions. These guidelines form one of two documents that outline the competencies and skills that health care professionals should have in the pesticides/environmental health area. This document defines the skills and knowledge base that should be mastered and demonstrated by primary care physicians and nurses in the practice arena. The authors of both documents collaborated to ensure consistency across both documents.