PRecision biomArker-Guided MAnagement of TuberculosIs Contacts: a Discrete Choice Experiment

PRecision biomArker-Guided MAnagement of TuberculosIs Contacts: a Discrete Choice Experiment

This study is part of a broader programme of work to develop and pilot a randomised-controlled trial of new tests to identify people who will benefit most from preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB). The aim of the current study is to explore factors affecting patient decisions to start preventive treatment. The specific objectives are to understand how patients make decisions about preventive treatment initiation for TB (stage 1); and to design and conduct a "discrete choice experiment" survey to further evaluate preferences (stage 2).

We will perform up to 30 semi-structured interviews among people undergoing testing for latent TB infection, as part of routine clinical screening programmes (stage 1). Adults (aged ≥18 years) who have been or are being tested for LTBI in routine clinical services will be eligible for inclusion through purposive sampling. The findings from the qualitative study will then be used to inform the a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The DCE will be conducted to quantify the trade-off between future TB risk and preventive treatment acceptance, from patient and healthcare provided perspectives (stage 2).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (aged ≥18 years) who have been tested for latent TB infection in routine clinical services, or are eligible for testing. Eligible people for testing include migrants from countries with high TB incidence (entered UK within 5 years), people with recent contact with a person with TB disease, and people eligible for LTBI screening prior to starting immunosuppression or through occupational health testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide informed consent.