Intensified case-finding reporting

Reporting of intensified case finding (ICF) is important as it represents a potentially hidden source of cases that would have gone unnoticed had it not been for 4-symptom screening. Individuals coming in contact with the health system through any activity are screened actively for symptoms of TB and referred for testing for eg- HIV clinics, antenatal clinics. 

Reporting in ICF contributes to TB surveillance and monitoring efforts. Accurate and comprehensive reporting provides valuable information for monitoring the burden of TB, tracking trends over time, and evaluating the impact of interventions. ICF reporting helps in identifying the high-risk groups amongst various It helps in measuring progress towards national and global TB control targets.

Effective reporting systems facilitates feedback loops between frontline healthcare workers, health authorities, and TB control programs. Feedback on the outcomes of ICF activities, including the number of cases identified and their treatment outcomes, helps motivate healthcare workers and improves the quality of future ICF efforts. It also enables prompt action, such as contact tracing and preventive therapy for individuals identified as contacts of TB cases.

Reporting in ICF should be integrated into existing TB surveillance and reporting systems. This integration ensures the seamless flow of information and avoids duplication of efforts. It also enhances coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders involved in TB control, including healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health agencies.