Introduction

Despite a focussed National TB Control Programme since the early 1990’s, South Africa remains amongst the top 20 countries in the world with the highest absolute number of TB patients as well as a high TB incidence rate. In addition, TB remains the leading cause of death albeit in declining proportion from 8.3% in 2014 to 6.5% in 2016 (STATS SA 2016). In the latest report on COVID and co-morbidities (SA STATS, 2020), TB is still ranked as the no 1 cause of death in 6 provinces and the overall leading cause of death for males all ages. Thus, in South Africa, TB remains a disease “hot spot”. Fuelled by the rise in HIV prevalence, the number of TB cases increased from 68,027 (187/100,000) in 1989 to over 400,000 in 2009 at the height of the HIV-epidemic. Since then, TB numbers have steadily declined to reach 209 000 reported cases in 2020. However, we still rank amongst the few countries worldwide with the triple burden of TB, TB co-infected with HIV and Drug resistant TB. Drug resistance strains are estimated to be at 3.4% of new and 7.1% of previously treated TB cases. (WHO Global TB Report, 2020). It remains every health care practitioner’s duty to integrate the diagnosis, care and management of TB in their clinical know-how and expertise.

Who Should Enrol

All doctors and professional nurses who are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of TB patients.

Course Content

The following modules are included in this course:

  1. The global status of TB. History, transmission and pathogenesis, Global END TB Strategy.
  2. The South African tuberculosis control programme.
  3. Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, recording and monitoring.
  4. TB and HIV co-infection.
  5. Tuberculosis in children.
  6. NTM infections.
  7. Health promotion, prevention, including TPT and the DOTS strategy.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, a learner will be able to:

  • Discuss the global status of TB control and latest international and national initiatives to eliminate TB, outline the context of TB in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history, transmission and pathogenesis of TB.
  • Compare and analyse the different global strategies to eliminate TB by 2035 with specific focus on the NTCP strategy in South Africa.
  • Outline the different diagnostic options and methods available to reach a diagnosis of TB inclusive of clinical criteria.
  • Describe the overall treatment approach required in treating a TB patient effectively to minimise side effects and drug resistance.
  • Critically analyse the effect of HIV on the TB epidemic and provide clear directions on the comprehensive care and treatment of HIV infected TB patients.
  • Outline and describe the difficulties associated with the diagnosis of TB in children, provide treatment solutions and direction for TB preventive therapy.
  • Discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of NTM infections and the challenges in distinguishing it from MTB disease in various clinical settings.
  • Describe the various prevention and health promotion strategies to limit the transmission of TB at facility, community and individual level.
  • Plan and facilitate a facility/clinic and district DOTS strategy to minimise TB incidence and align with the focus of the NSP.

Assessment

Participants are assessed on the self-study component of the course through means of an online multiple-choice (MCQ) questionnaire.

Accreditation

Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for Health Care Professionals for 25 Clinical CEU’s on Level 2.

Certification

To qualify for the certificate of completion for this short course, participants should complete the MCQs and pass with a cumulative mark of 70%.

Contact

School of Health Sciences

Tel: +27 87 821 1109

E-mail: shortprog@foundation.co.za

Website: www.foundation.co.za




COURSE
R 1,650.00 (incl VAT)

25.0 General Points

25.0 Max Points

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