1. An introduction to using “Access, testing and treatment: A toolkit for new entrant latent tuberculosis programmes”

2. This toolkit….
Was developed by TB Alert in partnership with Public Health England and NHS England
Is part of The Truth About TB, TB Alert’s programme that raises public and professional awareness of TB
Provides practical guidance for local planning and implementation for all involved: planners and providers
Is adaptable to your local situation
Supports local advocacy for TB services
Provides information on increasing uptake of latent TB testing and treatment
Signposts to useful existing and new resources and materials

3. How the toolkit was developed
Field visits, teleconferences, interviews and local events in different parts of England highlighted the following:
Critical steps on the pathway which need to be addressed in all areas
Common issues raised – Possible strategies to address these – resources which could help
Examples of best practice
Challenges with ensuring uptake .

4. The key to using the toolkit: Section 2: LTBI testing and treatment pathway (toolkit p13)
Although latent TB testing and treatment may be organised differently in different areas, there is a standard series of steps needed to implement the programme successfully
Ensuring the move from one step on the process to the next is as seamless as possible will help keep patients on the pathway

5. Gap analysis
Table 1 on pages expands on each of these steps outlining:
what needs to be done, when and by whom
what implementers need to know at each stage
what patients need to know at each stage
Whether you are starting afresh or already underway, Table 1 will help you identify what is already in place and working well and what parts of your local pathway need attention

6. Addressing the gaps (1)
The sub-sections entitled ‘Access’, ‘Test’ and ‘Treat’ will help you plan to address the gaps you have identified
Common issues which arise at each step of the pathway are described together with strategies which may be employed to address them
Strategies may involve networking, training, advocacy or practical interventions depending on the gap identified
Having identified your gaps, practical guidance is provided in the following subsections on access, testing and treatment. The guidance focuses on the sorts of issues which you might be facing, what strategies you may find useful and resources that are available to help you.

7. Addressing the gaps (2)
Resources are signposted to support strategies and help address any issues raised (a directory of resources can be found in Appendix 3)
There are a number of best practice examples to show what has worked in different parts of England which may be useful, or you could find your own best practice examples closer to home

8. Section 3: Increasing uptake
Uptake is an important concern in all areas so guidance is provided on
Understanding and reaching new entrant communities
How to use social marketing techniques and behaviour change theory
Partnership working with relevant third sector organisations and communications departments in CCGs, public health and/or local authority departments is strongly advised

9. Distribution
Page 8 describes stakeholders for whom the toolkit is relevant
Includes strategic, planning and delivery stakeholders in regional and local TB structures, NHS, local authorities, public health and third sector
Regional and local TB leaders are encouraged to distribute the toolkit to stakeholders and monitor (and feed back to TB Alert and PHE on)how it is uses it as a practical tool in latent TB programming

10. Online access
The toolkit can be accessed online at (right click & ‘open hyperlink’) or
Awareness, professional education and patient support resources can be accessed at or are signposted from