21st Century: Directly Observed Video-Therapy of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment

<b>Introduction:</b> The WHO recommends directly observed therapy (DOT) as the cornerstone of TB treatment, in order to enhance compliance and therefore treatment success. Video-observed therapy (VDOT) is an alternative to conventional DOT, where the interaction between patients and caregivers occurs via internet-enabled smartphones, tablets or computers. VDOT may overcome barriers to treatment adherence and reduce TB stigma. <b>Aims:</b> Evaluate patients’ self-reported satisfaction about VDOT for Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT). <b>Methods:</b> Three-month cross-sectional study carried out among outpatients with active TB enrolled in VDOT (TEAMS®video call) in a TB Centre serving a low-TB incidence area with 250000 inhabitants. A survey was used to collect data on demographics and self-assessment of satisfaction about VDOT. <b>Results:</b> From a total of 13 patients with active TB referred to our centre, 8 enrolled in VDOT - 50.0% males, mean age 46.4y [26-80y], 50.0% were portuguese-born, 50.0% graduated high school. Most patients (62.5%) started ATT on VDOT, the remaining switched from conventional DOT to VDOT. Most patients were satisfied with TEAMS® daily use (62.5%) and reduced time spent (87.5%), not considering video calls an invasion of privacy (75.0%). The majority (75.0%) outlined nurse’s daily contact and availability. Overall, they were very satisfied (62.5%) or satisfied (37.5%) with VDOT, and considered that it should be maintained as a viable alternative to conventional DOT (75.0%). <b>Conclusions:</b> VDOT is a valuable tool for optimizing resources. Despite small, the sample of patients included in this study was heterogeneous, with the majority being satisfied in enrolling VDOT and willing to continue it.