Which of the following is a first step in managing TB in health facilities?

Conducting systematic screening is the first step in managing tuberculosis (TB) in health facilities because it involves identifying individuals who may be at risk of having the disease. This step is critical as early detection can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, which are vital for controlling the spread of TB. Systematic screening typically encompasses the use of established guidelines to evaluate patients based on risk factors, such as exposure history, symptoms, and local epidemiology, ensuring that cases are not overlooked.

The other actions, while important in the overall management of TB, do not represent the initial approach. Starting treatment based on symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis or delay in appropriate care without proper screening. Accessing community health data is useful for understanding trends and resource allocation but does not directly lead to the identification of affected individuals. Referring all patients to specialists can be impractical and may contribute to delays in management, as many cases can be handled at the primary health care level if detected early through systematic screening procedures.