Developing a Comprehensive TB Manual Karen A Martinek, RN, MPH September 18, 2012

Overview What is a comprehensive TB Manual? First steps; next steps Tools , resources and partners Lessons learned – “…everything I wish I had known before tackling a TB Manual”

Where do I begin? Who – is your audience? What – do they need? When – what is your timeline? Where – web-based or hard copy? How – revise existing content, use a template, or do original work?

Who: the target audience Health care providers Public health, acute care, clinics TB nurse case managers Paraprofessionals – DOT aides, outreach workers, community health aides Others?

What needs to be included? MDR TB Diagnosis TB Treatment Nurse Case Management LTBI Treatment Laboratory & Diagnostic testing Laws Medications DOT Glossary Table of Contents References & resources Adverse Reactions Contact Investigation Other?

When: the timeline (1) Consider type of project: Establish timelines: Revision Adapting a template Original work Establish timelines: Content drafts Review Editing Formatting “Ready for prime time”

When: the timeline (2) Allocate enough time + a generous cushion Initiate internal/external processes for Project funding Publication Web posting & updates Distribution to users Evaluation & feedback

Where: web, print or both? Format type will influence Cost Timeline Resources/expertise needed Ease of revisions

How Is this TB manual a How will the work get done? Revision? Template adaptation? Original work? How will the work get done? Committee Editor Authors Content experts are essential TB Controller Local experts Public health nurses/case managers Other?

Editor & Committee, or…

…Author / writer

Scope of work: broad or targeted? TB Policies, Procedures and Programmatic Manual Or Nurse Case Management and MDR-TB Prevention

How to Write a Manual Get to Know the Subject This is key. It may seem self-evident, but knowledge is the key to writing a successful manual. For example, if you’re writing a camera manual, knowing that an f-stop and the shutter speed are not just 2 separate functions—they are—but knowing how they interact with each other will make it much easier for you to describe each function as it relates to the whole. Talk to experts. If your role is simply the writer rather than the subject matter expert, involve knowledgeable people throughout the process and make sure they review your work. There knowledge and advice is invaluable. Try a hands-on approach. If possible, doing the thing you are writing about will, at the very least, give you a feel for what the user will want to learn. Read up on the subject. Learn to talk the talk, and become conversant in the product you are writing about.

Resources & References (1) Identify partners, committee members Determine scope of work Identify content & topics to be included Who is doing what? Writing Editing Final formatting Print or web ready?

Resources & References (2) What is available and useful? Any copyright issues Also consider these very important issues: Introduction Table of Contents Glossary Format for references. Dynamic if substantial editing is done. Responsibility for final formatting

Tuberculosis Program Manual Alaska Tuberculosis Program Manual Alaska Department of Health and Social Services August, 2011

Tools

Lessons learned (1) Use a fast computer with current Word & Excel software Formatting a complex document on a slow, old PC can be very frustrating Arrange technical assistance from a “Word Wizard” or “Formatting Fairy” You will need it Technical experts will be your best friends Formatting can take more time than content

Lessons learned (2) Find uninterrupted time for writing, editing formatting. Write, rewrite and get feedback Check all web links and resources. Make sure they are current. Allow more time than anticipated. You will need it. Celebrate when you are done! Plan for revisions

References / Resources http://www.currytbcenter.ucsf.edu/research/tb_manual_template.cfm http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Tuberculosis/ProviderMaterials/TBServicesManual.aspx

Thank you!