Guide on the Monitoring of TB Disease Incidence Among Health Care Workers

This policy aimed to minimize the risk of TB transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population. HCWs have a greater risk of developing TB than the general population, and outbreaks among HCWs have been well documented. HCWs are at a higher risk of developing TB due to their exposure to patients with TB. To address this issue, the WHO recommends that all countries strengthen their TB notification systems to include TB among HCWs. However, many countries are not systematically collecting data on TB among HCWs due to concerns about stigma and work discrimination faced by HCWs diagnosed with TB. The guide for monitoring the incidence of TB disease among HCWs addresses these issues and provides practical recommendations on how to establish an effective monitoring system. The guide is intended for everyone responsible for HCWs at all levels and in all settings, including policy-makers, implementers, and representatives from civil society, advocacy groups, and HCWs themselves. The guide emphasizes the importance of monitoring TB disease in HCWs at the healthcare facility level and at the national level. This monitoring is beneficial for both HCWs and patients, as it helps to prevent the spread of TB and ensures that HCWs receive timely treatment and support. The guide outlines the objectives of monitoring TB disease among HCWs, which include identifying the incidence of TB disease, understanding the risk factors associated with TB transmission, and evaluating the effectiveness of TB control measures. The guide also provides information on the methods used to prepare the guide, including operational research and debates and discussions organized by the WHO and TB CARE partners. The guide is structured into eight chapters, which cover topics such as the scope and purpose of the guide, the background and rationale for monitoring TB disease among HCWs, the methods used to measure the incidence of TB disease, and the implementation of the guide. The guide also includes annexes, which provide examples of TB screening questionnaires, handouts, and management registers. The guide highlights the importance of addressing stigma and work discrimination faced by HCWs diagnosed with TB. It provides practical recommendations on how to establish an effective monitoring system, including the use of indicators, data management, and surveillance. The guide also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to TB control, which includes infection control measures, screening, and treatment. The guide is a valuable resource for anyone responsible for HCWs at all levels and in all settings. It provides a comprehensive framework for monitoring TB disease among HCWs and highlights the importance of addressing stigma and work discrimination faced by HCWs diagnosed with TB. The guide's indicators for HCW TB surveillance systems include the number of HCWs screened for TB, the number of HCWs diagnosed with TB, and the number of HCWs treated for TB. The guide also provides information on the data management plan, data collection, data analysis, and data quality issues. The guide's recommendations on how to address stigma and work discrimination faced by HCWs diagnosed with TB include the development of workplace policies and compensation schemes that avoid stigmatization. The guide also emphasizes the need for priority access for HCWs to TB treatment and care, as well as separate access to TB services to prevent stigma and discrimination. The guide's implementation plan includes steps such as conducting a risk assessment, developing a TB control plan, and establishing a TB surveillance system. The guide also provides information on the importance of training and capacity building for HCWs and healthcare facilities.