Reminder systems to improve patient adherence to tuberculosis clinic appointments for diagnosis and treatment
This research examines the effects of reminder systems on TB treatment outcomes
Abstract
People with active tuberculosis (TB) require six months of treatment. Some people find it difficult to complete treatment, and there are several approaches to help ensure completion. One such system relies on reminders, where the health system prompts patients to attend for appointments on time, or re-engages people who have missed or defaulted on a scheduled appointment.
The objective of this research is to assess the effects of reminder systems on improving attendance at TB diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment clinic appointments, and their effects on TB treatment outcomes.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s Evidence Building and Synthesis Research Programme which is led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Citation
Qin Liu, Katharine Abba, Marissa M Alejandria, David Sinclair, Vincent M Balanag, and Mary Ann D Lansang:.Reminder systems to improve patient adherence to tuberculosis clinic appointments for diagnosis and treatment. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. 2014 November 18; (11): 1–59. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006594.pub3