The application of telemedicine technology to a directly observed therapy program for tuberculosis: a pilot project.
We evaluated the use of videophone technology to provide directly observed therapy (DOT) to patients with active tuberculosis. During 304 treatment doses, adherence on videophone DOT was 95%, and patient acceptance of the technology was excellent. In selected cases, the use of videophone technology can maintain a high level of adherence to DOT in a cost-effective manner.
DeMaio
J
J
Infections Limited, Tacoma, WA, 98405, USA. jdemaio@idlinks.com
Schwartz
L
L
Cooley
P
P
Tice
A
A
D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013685:Telecommunications; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States