Understanding patients’ perceptions and experiences of DOT: Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Patients' perceptions and experiences of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for Tuberculosis treatment.
IRAS ID
200887
Contact name
Rachel Summers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southampton University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is advocated by the WHO and used globally as a method to promote adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) treatment.
Within the UK, DOT is most commonly used for patients deemed at risk of defaulting from their treatment-usually due to chaotic lifestyles. Patients are required to meet with a key worker between 3-7 times per week to be given and observed to swallow their tablets in front of the key worker. This may involve travel to and from a local hospital.
Literature searches have shown a paucity of published research regarding patients' perceptions and experience of DOT, especially from within the UK. What is known is that many patients struggle with the rigidity of DOT, finding it restrictive and invasive of their right to self-determination and dignity.
This study aims to understand patients' perceptions and experiences of DOT. Up to 10 patients will be interviewed. Their answers will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. This will reveal an insight into how patients' percieved their treatment and what they actually experienced.
This study forms part of my Masters degree in Research through Southampton University and stems from my clinical practice as a Lead TB Specialist Nurse.
The Studies findings will be submitted for presentation at the Winter British Thoracic Society Meeting that is attended by the TB health Care community. It will also be submitted for publication within the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung disease.
It is hoped that an understanding of DOT from the patient’s perspective will be helpful to TB Services and commissioners in the planning of patient centred care.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0269
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion