Barriers and facilitators of a latent tuberculosis screening and treatment programme of recent migrants

<b>Introduction:</b> The London borough of Newham is a pilot site for the national latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) programme whereby care is delivered entirely within primary care. LTBI screening is performed in general practices and treatment is delivered by both GPs and community pharmacies. <b>Methods:</b> 43 Healthcare professionals (HCP) in general practices and pharmacies were surveyed to identify facilitators and barriers to the LTBI programme. Interviews were conducted with 9 stakeholders involved in the programme to evaluate views on facilitators and challenges associated with its implementation and delivery. <b>Results:</b> A good relationship between patients and staff was the most commonly cited facilitator across all groups of HCP surveyed. Specific LTBI programme training provided to staff was also considered an important facilitating factor. GP’s reported time constraints as a common barrier, whereas pharmacists and heath care staff were more likely to identify low levels of patient knowledge surrounding LTBI as a barrier. Facilitators identified by stakeholders included effective communication between multi-level stakeholders and training of service providers. Aggregate data collection and monitoring was considered a significant facilitator, as was patient education through healthcare provider involvement and novel educational tools such as a novel LTBI animation. The main challenges identified included communication between healthcare providers and perceived low levels of patient knowledge of LTBI. <b>Conclusion:</b> The delivery of an adequate LTBI programme depends on close collaboration of HCP and stakeholders, education and training of HCP and patients and aggregate data monitoring.