Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for TuberculosisDate of publication: February 2001
Introduction
Detection and cure remains the cornerstone of TB control. Cure and the prevention of drug resistance is contingent upon patients’ adhering to an appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen. Adherence is difficult for TB patients to maintain. People always need assistance and support to stay on anti-tuberculosis medication because:
- everyone finds it difficult to remember to take long courses of treatment without support;
- the pills prescribed are sometimes hard to swallow;
- large numbers of pills have to be taken, especially during the initiation phase of treatment;
- there are sometimes unpleasant side effects from the medication;
- abstention or reduced intake of alcohol is necessary while on medication;
- there may be difficulties filling prescriptions because not all pharmacies are aware that anti-tuberculosis medications are fully government subsidised;
- stigma associated with TB often affects the patients.
Adherence is also difficult for health care providers to measure (Sumartojo 1993).
Directly observed therapy (DOT)ensures adherence. The Tuberculosis Working Group of the Ministry of Health strongly supports the use of DOT and urges all Medical Officers of Health to work with local medical practitioners to ensure that DOT is offered to all patients who are likely to benefit from it.
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Related Information
Tuberculosis Control
Guidelines for Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand 2003 |