The F.J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center, one of three centers of excellence in TB control and training, is working with the Texas Department of Health to develop, provide and evaluate training to enhance TB control efforts and build capacity to provide training. Using a program planning model, we started with needs assessment activities to identify problems that could benefit by a training intervention. Needs assessment results were used to determine learning objectives, curriculum, methods, faculty, and evaluation. Data analysis, document review and survey results revealed three areas of concern: private sector practitioners providing TB care, contact investigation for suspected and confirmed TB cases, and community outreach/training. Subsequent interviews, site visits and meetings explored these issues in depth. We also found local expertise and model TB control efforts to showcase in training. The final needs assessment report identified unmet training needs which will be addressed in a post-training action plan that the Texas Department of Health will develop as part of their written agreement with the Curry Center. The purpose of the plan is to identify activities to support the goal of building training capacity. Needs assessment led to the development of a three-day course for Texas TB program managers, to be presented in May 2000, that includes an opportunity for programs with similar issues (large urban programs, rural programs, and border programs) to problem solve together. Evaluation methods will assess whether learning objectives have been met,identify longer-term impact, and determine whether we have met our goal of building capacity.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify at least 4 needs assessment activities that can be used to plan a training intervention to enhance tuberculosis control programs. 2. Discuss the importance of developing support for training interventions among management and line staff. 3. Define 2 short-term and 2 long-term evaluation activities to assess the impact of a training intervention
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Training
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.