Abstract:

Objective To analyze the TB diagnostic capacity in county level TB designated hospitals, and to provide a basis for formulating strategies and measures in TB prevention and control. Methods From July to December, 2019, the research team conducted a survey on the current situation of TB diagnosis service capacity in China’s county level TB designated hospitals, and described the number and distribution of medical personnel engaged in TB clinical, imaging and laboratory work in 2316 county-level TB designated medical institutions (excluding Tibet Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), as well as the implementation of TB auxiliary examination. Results Among 2316 county-level TB designated medical hospitals, the doctors engaged in TB clinical, imaging and laboratory were mainly undergraduate and junior college education background, accounting for 64.14% (24014/37439) and 23.57% (8823/37439), respectively. The professional titles were mainly junior and intermediate, accounting for 44.07% (16501/37439) and 36.15% (13533/37439) respectively. Among 2316 county-level TB designated medical institutions, 29.79% (690/2316), 88.77% (2056/2316) and 75.86% (1757/2316) could carry out TB computer radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR) and CT/MRI, respectively; 70.73% (1638/2316), 23.01% (533/2316), 66.02% (1529/2316), 36.10% (836/2316) and 81.26% (1882/2316) could carry out tuberculin test (PPD test), interferon gamma release test (IGRA) and antibody test, respectively. Conclusion County-level designated tuberculosis medical institutions are in shortage of professional health care workers in TB prevention and control as well as high-level professionals. TB diagnosis capacity in laboratory and imaging need to be improved.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Designated medical institutions at county level, Diagnosis, Professional competence, Data collection, Research report