Video-Observed Treatment Instead of Directly Observed Treatment for TB

Smartphone-enabled video observation of tuberculosis treatment was effective and has multiple advantages over traditional directly observed therapy.

Directly observed treatment (DOT) for tuberculosis (TB) has been recommended to improve treatment completion particularly among groups with poor adherence. Smartphone technology makes video-observed treatment (VOT) feasible. U.K. investigators compared TB treatment completion using traditional DOT versus asynchronous VOT (recorded video clips forwarded and reviewed later).

Investigators randomized patients aged ≥16 years with active TB (MDR-TB excluded to DOT [direct observation 3–5 times per week]) or VOT. VOT participants received smartphones and training to record and send videos of themselves taking medication. Trained observers assessed whether participants had taken doses. Smartphone participants could report adverse events and could c…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Video-Observed Treatment Instead of Directly Observed Treatment for TB

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Reviewing Author