How to communicate results to TB patient

When the referring health facility receives the test results from the DMC, the results are communicated to the patient through NTEP supervisors/health facility staff/Medical Officer.

Both Positive and negative results need to be communicated to the patient. For negative results, counselling for further evaluation and testing need to be done for the symptoms.

Communication as a tool embodies attitudes, behavior, body language, style, method of presentation, quality of listening and perceptions and interpretations.

It is important that the health staff communicating TB test results to patient is trained in interpersonal communication (one-to-one) and soft skills (listening, motivating, problem solving etc).

The results are communicated in a polite and non-authoritarian manner that encourages open communication and builds rapport with the patient

Resources 

• Training Modules (5-9) for Programme Managers and Medical Officers, NTEP, 2020  
• Module for Senior Treatment Supervisors (STS): Ensuring Proper Treatment, Registration and Reporting, CTD, 2005. 
• Guidelines for PMDT in India, NTEP, 2021.

Assessment