Why is it necessary to directly observe treatment?
Ans: At least one third of patients receiving self-administered treatment do not adhere to treatment. It is impossible to predict which patients will take medicines regularly. Therefore, directly observed treatment is necessary at least in the initial phase of treatment to ensure adherence and achieve sputum smear conversion. A TB patient missing one attendance can be traced immediately and counseled. No method other than directly observed treatment has been able to achieve 85% cure rate of new smear positive cases.
Related Questions
- If it is necessary to evacuate me to another country and I can receive treatment on an outpatient basis, will MEDEX pay for my lodging, meals, and travel costs to and from the medical facility?
- Is a referral from a Primary Care Physician necessary to begin treatment?
- Why is it necessary to directly observe treatment?
