Fundamentals of TB Contact Investigation - Virtual Training

Date: October 13, 20, 27, and November 3
Time:
10:00 – 11:30 am Pacific
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Mountain
12:00 – 1:30 on Central
1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OVERALL GOAL
This training will introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of TB contact investigations. Topics will include transmission and pathogenesis, deciding when to initiate an investigation, determining the start and end of the infectious period, prioritizing contacts, communication skills, and cultural and diversity considerations.

This training will not address interviewing skills or techniques.

AGENDA

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This training is intended for public health nurses and other public health staff who conduct or manage TB contact investigations.

WHY COURSE IS NEEDED
Problems conducting contact investigations can result in ongoing transmission and TB outbreaks. Delayed detection of TB cases and failure to identify contacts can lead to additional cases of TB. Therefore, ongoing training and education are important for public health professionals to enhance skills in conducting TB contact investigation.

TRAINING FORMAT
This hybrid course will include live virtual sessions and self-paced homework. Participants will be enrolled in Canvas which is an online learning management system. Participants are expected to join all live sessions by video and actively participate in the discussion. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able:

• Identify components of the systematic approach for conducting TB contact investigations.
• Assess which contacts are at highest risk for TB infection and TB disease and assign priorities.
• Explain the criteria for determining the beginning and end of the infectious period.
• Apply current standards for ensuring the evaluation of contacts for TB infection and disease.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In order to be accepted into this course, participants must be able to complete all the course requirements (attend all 4 live sessions, completed required homework assignments, and submit an evaluation) and adhere to the time commitment. Claiming continuing education credits is contingent on meeting all the requirements.

Technology: Participants will be expected to have access to a webcam or mobile device (e.g., tablet, smartphone), to turn on their video during the live sessions. A stable internet connection with access to external websites (not blocked by firewalls) is required.

Canvas: All participants will be expected to access the course content through the learning management system Canvas. After being accepted into the course, participants will receive further details on how to access the learning management system. Please note, participants may need to use a desktop computer or laptop to access Canvas rather than a tablet, iPad, or other mobile device.

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Rutgers Biomedical and Health Science, the Curry International TB Center, the Heartland National TB Center, and the Southeastern National TB Center. Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

CNE: This activity is awarded 9.6 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim those contact hours actually spent participating in the activity.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
The training is at capacity. We are no longer accepting any new applicants.
Notification of acceptance and additional course information will be sent via email.

FUNDING DISCLOSURE
Funding for this course was made possible in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.