Tuberculosis prevention questionnaire: common practices among pulmonary medicine and infectious disease specialists in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT

A survey about tuberculosis infection status, surveillance and protection practices among pulmonologists and infectologists was performed.A fourteen-item questionnaire was mailed. The survey was addressed to 108 pulmonologists and 61 infectologists. Responses were collected from 35 pulmonologists (32 percent) and 18 infectologists (29 percent). Sixteen out 35 pulmonologists had a positive tuberculin test (TST) (46 percent). Nine of fourteen took at least 6 months of preventive therapy with isoniazid when converted. Three out of eighteen infectologists had a positive TST. 63 percent of the pulmonologists and 38 percent of the infectologists evaluate their TST every 12 months. 40 percent of the pulmonologists and 66 percent of the infectologists answered that they treat more than ten patients with tuberculosis annually. Interestingly, 50 percent of the responder bronchoscopists use surgical masks instead of recommended HEPA filter masks. 73 percent of the responders reported not having negative pressure rooms when performing procedures. Despite stamped-addressed envelopes and the relation of these professionals with the related issue, low participation was observed.Among the responders a low frequency of TST was observed, especially in those exposed to higher-risk procedures. Non-adequate facilities and lack of use of protective equipment was reported. Even though not representative of the entire medical community the results of this survey are concerning regarding educational and safety policies of our professionals and institutions