Self-paced learning stations for tuberculosis respirator training: report of a pilot program

Area of Science:

• Healthcare worker training
• Infection control
• Occupational health

Background:

• Implementation of a pilot tuberculosis respirator training program in response to CDC guidelines.
• Program incorporated self-directed learning stations and employee tuberculin skin testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a novel tuberculosis respirator training program.
• Assess employee satisfaction and knowledge retention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized four self-directed learning stations for a pilot tuberculosis respirator training program.
• Recorded training time, collected participant feedback, and administered knowledge retention tests.

Main Results:

• 176 employees completed the training with an average time of 19.5 minutes per employee.
• 97.1% of participants met learning objectives; knowledge retention averaged 88% two weeks post-training.

Conclusions:

• Self-paced learning stations and tuberculosis screening are effective and time-efficient for employee training.
• The program's success led to its expansion to all potentially exposed employees.