Counselling of individuals at risk of TB

Individuals at risk of TB often face obstacles that hinder prompt medical diagnosis and treatment initiation. These challenges are multifaceted, ranging from a lack of awareness about TB risks to the pervasive fear of encountering stigma and discrimination. Moreover, a significant impediment arises from a limited understanding of where and how to access TB-related medical services. Despite the commendable initiative in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) countries where TB-related medical services are provided free of charge, financial considerations should not be a deterrent to seeking care. The objective of counselling individuals at risk of developing TB is to provide them with the needed knowledge and information on TB symptoms, ways of transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and options to receive appropriate treatment.

This series is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills across 13 distinct modules. Each module has been structured as an individual course, addressing different components essential to TB community-based services. This modular approach allows you to delve deeply into each component at your own pace as well as earn a certificate of achievement. While each course stands alone, together they form a cohesive learning experience, so, you can choose to complete all 13 courses to gain comprehensive knowledge or select specific courses that align with your learning needs and professional goals. These courses include:

1. Awareness raising, risk communication, mobilization and meaningful engagement of community;
2. Counselling of individuals at risk of TB;
3. Non-clinical management of TB preventive treatment;
4. Active TB case finding;
5. Supported treatment observation;
6. Case management of loss to follow-up and prevention of treatment interruption;
7. Individual needs assessment;
8. Mental health and psychological counselling and support;
9. TB case management: non-clinical;
10. Material support;
11. Health education and counselling;
12. Post-treatment social support and/or rehabilitation;
13. Costing methodology.

Each module culminates in a thorough Course Assessment, enabling participants to gauge their understanding and proficiency in the covered material. A Certificate of Achievement is attainable for each module, awarded to participants who achieve a minimum score of 80% across all quizzes. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how. There is also a Final Self-Assessment to mark the end of all the 13 courses.

The following online course is developed by the TB Europe Coalition (TBEC) under the financial support of Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization, The Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS Center), The Global Fund and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The views of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily represent the opinion of the funders. The course is intended to be used as a self-learning course. All reasonable precautions have been taken by TBEC and WHO to verify the information contained in this training. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the online training lies with the reader. In no event shall TBEC or any of the listed funders be liable for damages arising from its use.