Directly observed therapy (DOT)

Definition

Directly observed therapy (DOT) is a treatment strategy where healthcare providers supervise patients taking their medication to ensure adherence. It is commonly used in treating infectious diseases like tuberculosis to prevent resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOT helps improve patient compliance and ensures the complete course of antimicrobial therapy is followed.
2. It significantly reduces the risk of drug-resistant strains by ensuring proper use of antibiotics.
3. DOT is especially important in the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV where non-compliance can lead to serious public health risks.
4. Healthcare workers or trained observers are responsible for administering the medication directly to the patient.
5. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses DOT as an effective strategy for controlling tuberculosis.

Review Questions

Related terms

Antimicrobial Resistance:

The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of an antibiotic that once could successfully treat the infection.

Tuberculosis:

A potentially serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs.

Adherence: The extent to which a patient's behavior corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.