Download Directly Observed Treatment – DOT

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Directly Observed Treatment – DOT
The revised Regulations on the control of tuberculosis in Norway, issued by the Royal Ministry
of Health on 21st June 2003, §3-3, states that all medicines prescribed for treatment of
tuberculosis must be dispensed under direct observation, i.e. health-care workers must observe
the intake of tuberculosis medication. This rule applies to all patients throughout the whole
period of treatment.
Why do medicines have to be administered under direct observation?
Tuberculosis is currently one of the most serious health problems in the world and the threat is
escalating with the continuous discovery of more and more strains of the tuberculosis bacteria,
which are untreatable with the drugs available at present. The bacteria have become resistant.
This happens when the treatment has not been undertaken properly, either because the medicines
have not been taken regularly enough or for too short period. Resistant tuberculosis is also
treatable, although this proves more difficult and requires a far longer treatment period. To be
able to treat tuberculosis in the future as well, ensuring proper dosage and use of treatment drugs
is absolutely vital. Major efforts are being made worldwide to enforce directly observed treatment
and Norway is supporting this global strategy to eradicate tuberculosis. So involving you in direct
observed therapy is part of a global fight against tuberculosis and is not implemented because we
do not trust you!
Through directly observed treatment, we can be sure that:
ƒ You will receive support to comply with a long and important treatment which is a
decisive factor in becoming completely healthy
ƒ There is good supervision of any side-effects
ƒ You will be referred to the correct unit within the Norwegian health care system when
necessary
ƒ Development of resistant strains of tuberculosis bacteria is prevented
Direct observed therapy is more than just observing the intake of a variety of drugs. During the
treatment period, you will be in daily contact with health-care personnel who can provide you
with information and support so it will be easier for you to comply with the treatment you are
about to start You will be involved in decisions on how the direct observed therapy can be
carried out the best way for you.
How to complete directly observed treatment in practical terms?
ƒ You can receive your medication on a daily basis from a home-visit nurse where you live.
ƒ You can agree to come to your doctor’s office, a health centre or other places that you
have agreed on, the days you are to take your medicine.
ƒ If you are living at an institution (nursing home, asylum reception centre etc) you can
arrange to take your medicines there.
How direct observed therapy is to be carried out for you will be decided at a meeting at the start
of treatment where you will be present, together with representatives from the hospitals and the
municipal health care system. An individual treatment plan will be established at this meeting ,
stating the practical arrangements you have agreed on.
We are looking forward to work together with you.