The Nurse’s Role in Tuberculosis Treatment
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Nursing
Faculty Advisor
Amanda Hopkins
Location
CNS E104
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:30 AM
Abstract
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from infectious disease worldwide. Despite tuberculosis being one of the world’s oldest diseases, over one million people still die from it every year. Tuberculosis has become a disease with a lot of social stigma, which has greatly hindered our ability to eradicate a centuries-old epidemic. There are plenty of effective treatments, but they are not exactly affordable. A high price for treatment combined with a number of social factors leaves vulnerable groups even more susceptible to contracting tuberculosis and spreading it to others. Nurses have a unique set of skills, including therapeutic communication and a holistic approach to patient care which make them particularly useful in the management of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations. The main objective of this research is to determine how nurse-led healthcare teams can improve outcomes for people living with tuberculosis. There are a variety of reasons healthcare systems might not want nurses to lead care teams in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, such as insisting on focusing on prevention over treatment or concern for their staff falling ill. People with tuberculosis who were treated by teams led by nurses had better outcomes regarding tuberculosis, as well as secondary outcomes such as reduced substance misuse and reduced mental health symptoms. Nurses should be leaders in advocating for the management the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations.
The Nurse’s Role in Tuberculosis Treatment
CNS E104
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from infectious disease worldwide. Despite tuberculosis being one of the world’s oldest diseases, over one million people still die from it every year. Tuberculosis has become a disease with a lot of social stigma, which has greatly hindered our ability to eradicate a centuries-old epidemic. There are plenty of effective treatments, but they are not exactly affordable. A high price for treatment combined with a number of social factors leaves vulnerable groups even more susceptible to contracting tuberculosis and spreading it to others. Nurses have a unique set of skills, including therapeutic communication and a holistic approach to patient care which make them particularly useful in the management of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations. The main objective of this research is to determine how nurse-led healthcare teams can improve outcomes for people living with tuberculosis. There are a variety of reasons healthcare systems might not want nurses to lead care teams in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, such as insisting on focusing on prevention over treatment or concern for their staff falling ill. People with tuberculosis who were treated by teams led by nurses had better outcomes regarding tuberculosis, as well as secondary outcomes such as reduced substance misuse and reduced mental health symptoms. Nurses should be leaders in advocating for the management the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations.