Development of Tuberculosis Screening Innovation for Household Contacts of Tuberculosis Patients in Health Region 11

Abstract

This research and development study aimed to explore the context and develop an innovation for tuberculosis (TB) screening among household contacts of TB patients in Health Region 11, Thailand, and to synthesize policy recommendations for TB screening among household contacts. The study was conducted in four phases: (1) assessment of the current situation and needs, (2) development of an innovation prototype based on the Design Thinking concept, (3) evaluation of the effectiveness of the innovation, and (4) formulation of policy recommendations. The target population comprised household contacts of TB patients. Data were collected between October 2024 and September 2025 using an innovation utilization assessment and a satisfaction questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages and means, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that TB screening coverage among household contacts was relatively low (38.33%–58.24%), primarily due to lack of knowledge, absence of appointment cards, and insufficient networking databases. The innovation development resulted in the HHC Screening Program application. After implementation, users reported a high level of perceived usefulness of the TB screening innovation (M = 4.17, SD = 0.73) and a high level of satisfaction (M = 4.29, SD = 0.79). Moreover, TB screening coverage increased to 100% (302/302 cases). The results indicate that the innovation is effective and suitable for scaling up in other areas within Health Region 11 to enhance sustainable TB control.