Northeastern Spotlight

Spring 2019 Volume 14 – Number 1

Product Highlights

Effective Interviewing for Tuberculosis Contact Investigation Video

GTBI is pleased to announce the release of a new video, Effective Interviewing for Tuberculosis Contact Investigation, and an accompanying checklist. This 57-minute teaching video provides an overview of the process of interviewing for TB contact investigation and focuses on practical interviewing techniques.  

Still from the video: Effective Interviewing for Tuberculosis Contact Investigation

This video replaces an original CDC video on contact investigation that GTBI worked on in 2002, which many TB program staff may be familiar with. The new video presents excerpts of a ‘typical’ TB interview and re-interview along with commentary from a selection of experts in the field, including Christine Chuck, Director of Field Operations in the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Danielle Orcutt, Epidemiologist at the Tuberculosis Control Program in the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and GTBI’s own Program Manager of Tuberculosis Control, Mark Wolman. Viewers may also recognize Janet Cashman, the Nurse Case Manager at the Morris County TB Program here in New Jersey, who graciously agreed to share her experience and expertise by playing the role of the TB interviewer in the video.

As always, the development process included a needs assessment of TB program staff, which was used to develop the concept and content of the video, along with pilot testing and expert review from both end users and experienced TB program staff. GTBI is grateful to our colleagues from around the country who provided valuable input and feedback on the video through these processes.

The video may be used as a self-directed learning resource to orient new staff to TB interviewing and can also be incorporated into skills-building training for TB contact investigation. The accompanying checklist highlights the essential elements of a TB interview and can be used both as a supplement to the video and a stand-alone tool to assist in planning and conducting an interview for TB contact investigation. The video is available on-line only and can be streamed or downloaded from our website at: globaltb.njms.rutgers.edu/educationalmaterials/productfolder/ci_video.php

We hope that the new Effective Interviewing for Tuberculosis Contact Investigation video proves useful to TB Program staff, both in our region, and throughout the country!

TB & Cultural Competency: Notes from the Field

We are excited to announce that the latest issue of the TB & Cultural Competency: Notes from the Field newsletter is now available. This issue focuses on a woman from Ethiopia who presented with recurring ear pain and was later diagnosed with TB. The article highlights the importance of building trust and rapport with the patient and her family while addressing issues with her treatment for MDR TB and other symptoms that were not related to TB. It includes a section on principles and skills for improving patient communication and a small cultural section on T’ej (Ethiopian honey wine).  

TB & Cultural Competency Newsletter: Issue #22

Previous issues of the newsletter are available at: http://globaltb.njms.rutgers.edu/educationalmaterials/productlist_cultural.php