Fundamentals of Tuberculosis Contact Investigation

Target Audience/Training Description: The training is intended for public health nurses and other public health staff who conduct or manage TB contact investigations. The course introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of TB contact investigations and is a prerequisite for participation in subsequent TB interviewing skills training. Topics include transmission and pathogenesis, introduction to TB contact investigations, the systematic approach to TB contact investigations, communication skills and cultural and diversity considerations. Exercises are focused on deciding when to initiate a contact investigation, determining the infectious period, and prioritizing contacts, and improving communication skills, and cultural and diversity considerations.

Topics covered (partial list):

• Transmission and Pathogenesis
• Introduction to TB Contact Investigation Process
• Systematic Approach to TB Contact Investigations
• Effective TB Interviewing for Contact Investigations
• Communication Skills and Cultural Awareness

Training Objectives:

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• identify components of the systematic approach for conducting TB contact investigations
• explain the criteria for determining the beginning and end of the infectious period
• assess which contacts are at high-risk for TB infection and TB disease and assign as high priority
• apply current standards for ensuring the evaluation of contacts for TB infection and disease

Training Format:
This in-person training includes didactic lectures, discussions, and small group activities focused on the fundamentals concepts of TB contact investigation along with pre-test and pre-course self assessment. Individuals must participate in the entire training.

The Curry International Tuberculosis Center is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California State Board of Registered Nurses, Provider Number CEP 12308. This training is approved for up to 5.75 continuing education hours. Board requirements prevent us from offering CE credit to people who arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the training, or leave the training early. Therefore, partial credit will not be awarded.