Fundamentals of TB Contact Investigation - Virtual Training

Date: October 28, October 30, November 6, 13, 18, and 20
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 - TBD

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, to access the didactic content and reflection questions as part of homework assignments. The live sessions will be held via Zoom and focus on specific exercises with breakout rooms for facilitated group discussions. 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 5 live sessions, completed required homework assignments, and submit an evaluation) and adhere to the time commitment.

Canvas: All participants will be expected to access the course content through the learning management system. After being accepted into the course, participants will receive further details on how to access the course in Canvas. 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 will not be provided for this training.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please use the link below to apply for the course:
https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aYw3vTfZs7T6W34

The application deadline is October 17.

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.