Impact of Training on Administration and Interpretation of PPD Testing

Background. Several studies have determined the importance of training on the skills shown to apply and interpret the Tuberculin test. Objective. To determine the impact of the Palm Beach County Health Department educational strategy, on the administration and interpretation of the Tuberculin test. Methods. In this descriptive study our health care providers were surveyed through an anonymous questionnaire to measure their competency on both areas. Their score was then correlated to the type of Tuberculin testing training they had. The data results were analyzed using a regression analysis. Results. Competency score was significantly different between Train the Trainer and the Health Department Training (P=0.15). Train the Trainer vs. Other was not statistically significant (P= 0.27). Health Department Training vs. Other was not statistically significant( P=0.18) as well as other paired comparisons. Conclusions. Type of training alone does not influence competency score, it only does it after adjusting for other covariates. Most of the participants in this study have completed the Train the Trainer or the Health Department Tuberculin testing course. When measuring one type of training against the other there’s significant influence over score mostly for the train the trainer course. The other variables found to influence score where year since training, department and center where the employee is working at, years working at the health department and number of tuberculin tests administered per month. This study is measuring scores obtained in a validated questionnaire which does not necessary corresponds to the skills of that particular practitioner. Grants. Funded by PBCHD.