Evaluation of the Tuberculosis Infection Control Training Center, Tajikistan, 2014–2015

SETTING: Training center on tuberculosis (TB) infection control (IC) for health care workers in the Central Asian Republics region.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of TB IC training courses conducted at the Tuberculosis Infection Control Training Center in Machiton, Tajikistan.

DESIGN: Participants who participated in training (n = 89) during the first year of operation (April 2014–February 2015) were invited to participate in a post-training interview.

RESULTS: Of the 89 participants, 84 (94%) completed the interview and expressed satisfaction with the training. Eighty (95%) participants reported meeting with workplace leadership to discuss the training. Of these, 69 (85%) reported discussing changes required to meet TB IC standards. Self-reported changes in TB IC practices at work facilities post training included the creation of TB IC committees, designation of a TB IC focal person, TB IC planning, policies to separate infectious patients in waiting rooms, provision of masks for infectious patients, development of cough etiquette policies, improved glove availability, hand hygiene programs, and TB IC posters in waiting rooms.

CONCLUSIONS: Participant satisfaction and reported changes in TB IC activities illustrate the potential of these training courses to improve TB IC in the region. Future training courses may be tailored to specific audiences using a structured conceptual framework to impact administration, budgeting, and facilities management of TB IC practices.