National HIV Prevention Conference Atlanta, Georgia, USA — August 29- September 1, 1999

Natl HIV Prev Conf 1999 Aug 29-Sep 1:(abstract no. 501)
Loor R, Majewski J, Deisch S
Palm Beach County Health Department, Riviera Beach, FL.

BACKGROUND: Identification of TB status of HIV patient in Palm Beach County is important to help prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

METHOD: Fifty-six (56) charts of adult HIV patients who receive services at the Broadway Health Center, a speciality clinic that provides HIV, STD, and TB services to Palm Beach County Health Department patients, were pulled for review in 1997. A problem with PPD screenings was identified and after a series of staff meetings and revision of initial provider order forms, 50 charts were reviewed in 1999 to identify the use of PPD testing on a yearly basis for patients who attend this Center.

RESULTS: Out of the 56 charts identified in 1997, 47 were reviewed. Seven charts had no PPD results; two charts had no recorded PPD reading; five were previous TB patients; and nineteen had outdated negative PPD results. Only 10 patients had a documented negative PPD test done in the past year. There were 4 with positive PPD results and none had documentation of completion of prophylaxis. Fifty charts were reviewed in 1999. Seven charts had no PPD results; four charts had no recorded PPD reading; seven patients were known to be PPD positive or to have had TB disease; and nineteen had outdated negative PPD results. Thirteen patients had a documented negative PPD test done in the past year. None in this sample had a positive PPD result.

CONCLUSION: Increasing the awareness of the staff about the need for yearly PPD follow-up on recommended screenings has resulted in little improvement of the compliance with screening for TB. There is still a need for coordination between the TB and HIV programs. In 1999 a nurse has been assigned to follow up on annual PPD testing and completion of prophylaxis. The program is moving toward DOPT for this high-risk population.

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990829
501

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National HIV Prevention Conference, 1999. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 29- September 1, 1999.

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