Feasibility and acceptability pilot of video-based direct observed treatment (vDOT) for supporting antitubercular treatment in South India: a cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of video-based anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence support in patients with TB (PwTB) in South India.DesignAn exploratory cohort.SettingParticipants were recruited at the TB treatment centre (direct observed treatment short centre) of a tertiary-level teaching facility in Bangalore, Karnataka, South India.ParticipantsThe study enrolled 25 PwTB, with replacement. Adult PwTB who were on drug-sensitive treatment regimens were included, while those who had drug resistant TB were excluded from the study.InterventionParticipants received scheduled adherence reminders and were trained to videorecord themselves swallowing their medication via a mobile application. The application was automated to submit these videos for evaluation. Participants were followed up monthly till treatment completion or withdrawal.Outcome measuresAdherence rate and acceptability of video-based directly observed treatment (vDOT).ResultsThe mean±SD age of the participants was 33±14 years, majority were females (16, 64%), residing in urban areas (24,96%), married (17, 68%) and had access to smart phones (23,92%). A total of 3193 person days of follow-up was completed; of the videos submitted within the first 6 months of enrollment (2501), 94% (2354/2501) were considered ‘acceptable’ and 16 (64%) participants were optimally adherent (ie, ≥80%). Participant videos improved in quality and a higher proportion met acceptability criteria over time. Twenty-one (84%) participants stated that they found the application easy to learn; 13 (52%) preferred vDOT over DOT. Mixed model logistic regression showed that those who are married are more likely have daily adherence to anti-TB treatment.ConclusionVideo-based mobile phone interventions are acceptable to PwTB and the ease of using the application increases with time. To provide patient-centred care, vDOT is a promising option that can be offered to patients for treatment support and adherence monitoring.