Finding and screening contacts to TB cases is a core TB prevention and control strategy. Trends in Georgia from 1995 through 1998 indicate a decline in the average number of contacts identified per case (from 10-7) and the percent of contacts examined (from 91% to 81%). In January 1999, the Francis J. Curry National TB Center in collaboration with the Georgia TB Program began developing a TB training course to improve contact investigation (CI). The course included topics on: Georgia TB epidemiology, principles of CI, interviewing techniques, cultural competency, and presentation skills. Participants were district TB coordinators. We assessed the impact of this course through pre- and post-training program data and post-training surveys. Twenty-eight participants completed the course. Participants gave an average score of 4.32 (5=agree, 1=disagree) when asked if course objectives were met. Twenty-four were able to address a local CI problem, identify the barrier(s) and propose a solution. Barriers most often identified were the lack of staff training and cultural differences. Participants have since trained 217 Public Health Workers. In 1999, an average of 8 contacts per case was identified. The percent of contacts examined increased to 84% in 1999, and the contacts that completed LTBI treatment increased from 60% in 1998 to 71% in 1999. Training of key district personnel in contact investigation is an important initial step in improving the CI process in Georgia. The course strengthened the capacity of district level staff to train front-line staff in CI.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the poster session, the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the Georgia TB Program's epidemiology indicators and how these indicators relate to assessing contact investigation needs. 2. List the two most often identified barriers to contact investigation in Georgia. 3. Identify the initial step for improving contact investigation in Georgia.
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.