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

2. 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”

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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”

7. 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

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

9. 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?

10. Editor & Committee, or…

11. …Author / writer

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

13. 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.

14. 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?

15. 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

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

20. Tools

23. 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

24. 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

25. References / Resources

26. Thank you!