Using a quality improvement approach to improve care for latent tuberculosis infection

Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) management is recognized as a key component of the World Health Organization End Tuberculosis Strategy. The term ‘cascade of care in LTBI’ has recently been used to refer to the process of LTBI management from identification of persons who may have LTBI to completion of treatment. Large gaps throughout the LTBI cascade of care have been identified.Areas covered: We have reviewed quality improvement (QI) as a potential approach for systematically improving gaps within the LTBI cascade of care. QI principles and approaches were reviewed, as well as the determinants of losses and evidence for solutions (interventions) within the LTBI cascade of care. An example of QI application in LTBI management is described.Expert commentary: Improving LTBI care at the magnitude required to reach the End TB Strategy goals will require systematic and context specific improvements at all steps in the cascade of care in LTBI. A continuous QI approach based on systems thinking, use of locally gathered data, and an iterative learning process can facilitate the process required to make the necessary improvements.