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- Since treatment for MDR-TB is longer, utilizes more medications, and may have more problematic adverse effects that medications for drug-sensitive TB, patients will need additional support. Thus, MDR-TB treatment must be supervised utilizing a patient-centered approach that includes incentives and enablers.
- DOT should be given by health care workers trained specifically for MDR-TB case management.
- Many patients are hospitalized until they smear convert or in some cases until the end of the intensive phase. This is generally more expensive and has not shown improvements in treatment outcomes.
- Community based MDR-TB treatment is advisable unless the patient would benefit from hospitalization due to some special circumstance such as poor clinical condition or complications requiring closer clinical supervision.
- Consult with a MDR-TB specialist from the NTP when you are providing DOT for these patients.
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