A total of 132 HCWs were exposed to 19 TB patients in seven months (mean = 19 HCWs/month and range 0 –48 HCWs/ month), out of which 53 (40%) of the exposed staff belonged to ED, thus Infection control nurses (ICNs) initiated focused rounds in ED. The rounds focused on all suspected TB patients; and on the spot facilitation for triage to prevent delay in diagnoses, timely initiation of isolation precautions and speeding up for admission process was done.
After the implementation of focused round by ICNs it was analyzed that the overall exposure of HCWs to tuberculosis decreased from 132 to two (02) HCWs who were exposed to 13 patients in the period of September 2012 –February 2013. Furthermore, after the intervention the exposure rate of ED also decreased from 40% to zero (0%). The added benefit of this intervention also supported the institution in terms of decreasing the financial burden caused by expenses incurred for post-exposure screening and prophylaxis.