FeedbackTo obtain the information required for the indicators described above, a recording and reporting system for TB screening should include the following elements.
- A log of the number of people screened in each risk group. A special database with information for each person screened may be used to obtain more refined data on subcategories of people within a risk group. Collection of these data is resource-intensive, but it may be relevant when a screening programme is started as part of an operational research project. Electronic data collection facilitates the process and permits easy transfer of information. It may be feasible to collect this type of data continually for certain risk groups, such as people seeking care in medical facilities.
- A database of all individuals presumed to have TB who underwent further diagnostic evaluation. If a database is used to collect individual-level information for all people who are screened, this information can be included by adding a variable.
- Additional variables in the digital laboratory register to indicate whether the tested patient was identified through screening, which screening methods were used to identify the patient and to which risk group the patient belongs.
- Additional variables in the treatment register to indicate whether the patient was identified through screening and to which risk group the patient belongs.
- Other forms or databases may be necessary, depending on the approach used and the existing databases or registers. For example, if contact investigation is implemented, there should be specific data-capture tools to track this activity properly. Such tools can be used on smartphones or other mobile devices at the site of investigation.