An exploration of NHS staff views on tuberculosis service delivery in Scottish NHS boards

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease and major worldwide killer with an increased UK incidence rate. This study aimed to explore the views of National Health Service (NHS) staff on TB service delivery models of care in NHS boards across Scotland. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 nurse specialists and five consultants in public health medicine (CPHM) across five Scottish NHS boards. Five main themes emerged and findings showed that: directly observed treatment (DOT) was provided only to patients assessed to be at high risk of poor treatment adherence; contact tracing was conducted by participating NHS boards but screening at ports was thought to be weak; all NHS boards implemented TB awareness campaigns for TB health professionals; three NHS boards conducted team meetings that monitored TB patient progress; participants believed that TB funding should be increased; contact tracing was routinely conducted by TB nurses. Improved TB screening at airports was recommended and a need for TB health education for high risk groups was identified.