QUAL-TB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative exploration of patients’ and healthcare providers’ views on TB clinical services and research in Leicester, (QUAL-TB)
IRAS ID
328852
Contact name
Jee Whang Kim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is spread through Mtb containing droplets from an infected person. Public health interventions have contributed to improved control of the disease. However, disruption in healthcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on TB control.
Within the UK, Leicester is considered a high TB burden area with incidence rate of 37 cases per 100,000 population per year in 2020. In Leicester, patients with suspected TB are referred either to the Infectious Diseases department (mostly via inpatient routes), or via the Respiratory TB Services which also operates the rapid access TB (RATB) service. While the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) endorses the commissioning of multidisciplinary TB networks, such as the rapid access service the evidence supporting the development of RATB services in the UK is limited.
The importance of integrating patient views into pathway development was highlighted during the informal TB patient experience day held in Leicester in September 2022. This was attended by individuals who had been diagnosed and treated for TB in Leicester as well as by members of the community TB team. Lack of awareness of TB and difficulty in getting the diagnosis were recurring themes, and some patients also reported that they did not feel listened to initially.
This qualitative study aims to further build on this, in order to formally capture patients’ and HCWs’ views on TB diagnostic pathways in Leicester, as well as address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local TB services. The study also aims to explore patients’ views and experience in taking part in TB research in Leicester. The findings from this study will help to gain deeper understanding on how the clinical and research service can be tailored to the local needs.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0169
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion