Objective: To develop a streamlined method of providing treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to a growing number of patients (pts).
Methods: A team consisting of physicians, nurses, health educators, social workers, and the clinic manager evaluated the process of LTBI treatment in the Harlem Hospital TB Clinic. Existing barriers to treatment completion were identified, including prolonged waiting times, lengthy assessments by multiple providers, lack of reminder/recall systems, and inconsistent provider decisions about indications for LTBI treatment.
Results: A pilot Fast Track (FT) Program was instituted among hospital employees seeking LTBI treatment. Key components of the FT Program included rapid screening to reduce waiting time, use of self-assessment tools to limit provider visits, provision of specific educational materials, and development of an interactive FT database for scheduling and evaluation needs. This pilot FT Program is now extended to all LTBI pts at the Harlem Hospital TB Clinic. To assist other programs in developing efficient LTBI screening and treatment programs, the booklet, "Improving Treatment Compliance for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Health Care Workers," outlines important components of the pilot FT Program.
Discussion: In recent years, targeted tuberculin skin testing and LTBI treatment have been identified as important TB control priorities in the U.S. The Harlem Fast Track Program offers a model for efficient processing of pts seeking LTBI treatment.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Preventive Medicine
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Charles P. Felton National Tuberculosis Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment