Thai Journal of Pediatrics, 2011; 50: 122-9.

In order to control tuberculosis effectively, it is important to implement tuberculosis contact investigation programs among children who have had contact with tuberculosis patients. Such programs help physicians to work up contact cases to obtain a prompt diagnosis and treatment. In Northern Thailand, such programs have been implemented by hospitals of different levels such as local and provincial hospitals, as well as large medical centers. Most hospitals already have their own guidelines, but some do not. Health care workers reported that they lack understanding why the contact investigation process is important, as well as lack knowledge and skills on how to conduct contact investigations. The Thai Ministry of Health and experts from university hospitals should provide more support in the form workshops and training for health care workers (including tuberculin skin test training) to help them carry out existing contact investigation programs more effectively and successfully.