[The effect of a strategy to improve adherence of irregular non UE citizens to tuberculosis screening in a clinic of Reggio Emilia].
Latent tubercolar infection in irregular non EU-citizens in Italy is an important issue of public health. Aim of this paper is to describe the effects of a new organization of the Centre for the health of foreign families of Reggio Emilia.


METHODS
A dedicated nurse, responsible of patients' screening and follow-up, in strict collaboration with a cultural interpreter were made available. Patients adherence to the screening was measured.


RESULTS
On 177 eligible patients, 12 (6.7%) refused the Mantoux text. Over the 165 screened patients, 147 (89%) returned to the clinic after 3-4 days. Only 16 (10.8%) needed a phone reminder. Adherence to the screening improved remarkably compared to the previous year (89% vs 68%).


CONCLUSIONS
A dedicated nurse and the improvement of communication may contribute to improve patients compliance.
Leone
Nicola
N
Terapia intensiva di Cardiochirurgia, Casa di Cura "Villa Salus" Reggio Emilia.
Bonvicini
Francesca
F
Fornaciari
Rossano
R
Greci
Marina
M
Manghi
Mara
M
Vinceti
Marco
M
Mecugni
Daniela
D