New research shows that “virtually observing” patients taking their prescribed TB medication may be a successful way to help them complete their course of treatment. The virtually observed treatment (VOT) method calls for people to send a short video of themselves taking their medication to their healthcare provider using a mobile phone.
VOT could be used as an alternative to directly observed treatment (DOT), which is recommended by the World Health Organization. It could prove especially useful for patients who find it difficult to get to clinics and help reduce the costs of observing treatment.
Researchers from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust recently piloted the VOT technique, and observed that “telemedicine” can help ensure patients finish their treatments.
Read the full article on Infection Control Today
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