Educational intervention for collecting sputum for tuberculosis: a quasi-experimental study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Sputum sample quality is crucial for accurate tuberculosis diagnosis.
• Inadequate sample collection can lead to false-negative results and delayed treatment.
• Standardized nursing guidance can potentially improve sputum collection efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of nursing guidance on sputum sample quality.
• To evaluate changes in sputum characteristics (purulence, volume) post-intervention.
• To determine the effect of improved sample quality on tuberculosis diagnostic rates.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, single-group, before-and-after study design was employed.
• 138 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis received individualized sputum collection guidance.
• Intervention included adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines and educational materials.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in sputum samples containing purulent particles was observed.
• Sputum sample volume significantly increased, exceeding 5 mL post-intervention.
• The rate of tuberculosis diagnosis among patients increased following the educational intervention.

Conclusions:

• Nursing guidance demonstrably improves sputum sample quality for bacilloscopic examination.
• Enhanced sample aspect and volume contribute to more effective tuberculosis diagnosis.
• Educational interventions are vital for optimizing diagnostic procedures in suspected pulmonary tuberculosis cases.