Experiences with latent TB cascade of care strengthening for household contacts in Calgary, Canada.

Abstract

Identification, assessment, and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI), collectively known as the LTBI cascade of care, is critical for TB prevention. The objective of this research, conducted within the ACT4 trial, was to assess and strengthen the LTBI cascade of care for household contacts at Calgary TB Services, a clinic serving a predominately foreign-born population in Western Canada. Baseline assessment consisted of a retrospective LTBI cascade analysis of 32 contact investigations, and questionnaires administered to patients and health care workers. Four solutions were implemented in response to identified gaps. Solution impact was measured for 6 months using descriptive statistics. Pre-implementation, 56% of household contacts initiated treatment. Most contacts were lost to care because the tuberculin skin test (TST) was not initiated, or physicians did not recommend treatment. Evening clinics, a patient education pamphlet, a nursing workshop, and treatment recommendation guidelines were implemented. Post-implementation, losses due to LTBI treatment non-recommendation were reduced; however, the overall proportion of household contacts initiating treatment did not increase. Close engagement between researchers and TB programmes can reduce losses in the LTBI cascade. To see sustained improvement in overall outcomes, long-term engagement and data collection for ongoing problem-solving are required.