why is directly observed therapy short course more effective than previous approaches

Why is directly observed therapy important?

DOT helps patients finish TB therapy as quickly as possible, without unnecessary gaps. DOT helps prevent TB from spreading to others. DOT decreases the risk of drug-resistance resulting from erratic or incomplete treatment. DOT decreases the chances of treatment failure and relapse.

Why do you think is DOTS a more effective method of treating TB than previous methods?

Also, DOTS increases the accuracy of diagnosis of tuberculosis by advocating sputum smear microscopy thereby reducing the spread of tuberculosis[9]. Indigent patients are catered for under the DOTS programme as free medications are provided and the duration of illness is reduced.

Why DOTS is a short-course?

Directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS, also known as TB-DOTS) is the name given to the tuberculosis (TB) control strategy recommended by the World Health Organization. According to WHO, "The most cost-effective way to stop the spread of TB in communities with a high incidence is by curing it.

How does TB DOTS program work?

The Program: DOTS for TB consists of a) diagnosing cases, b) treating patients for 6-8 months with drugs, and c) promoting adherence to the relatively difficult treatment regimen. Track record: When strictly followed, the treatment regimen cures TB and prevents death.

What is directly observed therapy in Singapore?

Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) remains a pillar of the Singapore TB Elimination Programme (STEP). DOT is the best way of monitoring patients' response and adherence to treatment for the sake of their health, and minimises the spread of TB in the community.

What is DOTS and how is it used?

DOTS: Stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course. DOTS is a strategy used to reduce the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases. In DOTS, healthcare workers observe patients as they take their medicine.

What are the principles of the DOTS strategy?

The five elements of the DOTS strategy, considered essential for global TB control are: political commitment, case detection using sputum microscopy among persons seeking care for prolonged cough, standardized short course chemotherapy under proper case-management conditions including directly observed treatment, ...

What is TB DOTS program in the Philippines?

The Lung Center of the Philippines TB DOTS Clinic caters to adult afflicted with TB since early 2000 and children with TB in 2007. It is the first public health facility engaged in implementing Programmatic Management for Drug resistant TB in 2005 as a satellite treatment center under the Green Light Committee.

What are the five elements of DOTS strategy?

Abstract. Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) is composed of five distinct elements: political commitment; microscopy services; drug supplies; surveillance and monitoring systems and use of highly efficacious regimens; and direct observation of treatment.

Are the programs of DOH successful in curbing the impacts of TB in the Philippines?

DECLINE IN REPORTED TB CASES AN EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC - DOH. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that although the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in the country in the first three months of 2020 has drastically gone down, this does not necessarily mean good news.

Which method was developed to help prevent the development of drug resistant TB by watching a patient take his or her medication?

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination prevents severe forms of TB in children and may have a protective effect against lung disease among children and adults (although estimates of efficacy for pulmonary disease greatly vary).

What program was implemented by the WHO to Stop TB?

The Stop TB Strategy, launched on World TB Day in 2006, is designed to meet the TB-related Millennium Development Goal (MDG) as well as the Stop TB Partnership targets set for 2015. The Stop TB Strategy underpins the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006–2015.