TB Contact Investigation Courses

Effectively conducting a TB contact investigation is a critical part of TB elimination and prevention.  In collaboration with the CDC and other TB Centers of Excellence, we have developed three courses to provide a comprehensive learning experience for those who need training.  Below is a brief description of each course.

Level 1 Course:  TB Contact Investigation Fundamentals

Format:  In-person and virtual options available

Time Allocation:  8 hours

Pre-requisite:  Complete CDC Tuberculosis Self-Study Modules 1-5  |  Each module takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.

The TB Contact Investigation Fundamentals course is intended for public health nurses and other public health staff who conduct or manage TB contact investigations. The course introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of TB contact investigations and is a prerequisite for participation in subsequent TB interviewing skills training. Topics include transmission and pathogenesis, introduction to TB contact investigations, the systematic approach to TB contact investigations, communication skills and cultural and diversity considerations. Exercises are focused on deciding when to initiate a contact investigation, determining the infectious period, and prioritizing contacts, and improving cross-cultural communication. 

Level 2 Course:  TB Contact Investigation Interviewing Skills

Format:  In-person only

Time Allocation:  2 eight-hour days

Pre-requisites:  

• Complete CDC Tuberculosis Self-Study Modules 1-5  |  Each module takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.
• Level 1 TB Contact Investigation Fundamentals Course 

This course is intended for public health nurses and other public health staff who conduct interviews for TB contact investigations. This course is focused mainly building and strengthening interviewing skills necessary for conducting effective TB contact investigations. The course outlines the key steps of the TB interview and employs role play techniques as part of small group activities. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct multiple practice interviews, one of which will be videotaped for the purpose of self-assessment.

Level 3 Course:  TB Contact Investigation in Congregate Settings (In Development)

Format:  In-person only

Time Allocation:  2 eight-hour days

Pre-requisites:  

• Complete CDC Tuberculosis Self-Study Modules 1-5  |  Each module takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.
• Level 1 TB Contact Investigation Fundamentals Course 

This course is intended for public health nurses and other public health staff who conduct large scale or congregate setting contact investigations. The course is focused mainly on strengthening knowledge and skills in the decision-making process and outlining the steps in conducting congregate setting contact investigations. Learners will be asked to bring some of their own cases/scenarios to highlight investigations in different types of settings for the purposes of discussing challenges, reviewing lessons learned, and share strategies and approaches in these specific situations.

Check back soon.  We will be adding more dates in the future.  If you would like to schedule a TB Contact Investigation course in your area, please email TBcenter@mayo.edu.