Treatment Initiation & Management
TASO ensures prompt initiation of TB treatment for individuals diagnosed with active TB disease
Overview
By emphasizing prompt treatment initiation, adherence support, and comprehensive patient management, TASO strives to achieve optimal treatment outcomes, reduce the transmission of TB within communities, and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals affected by this disease.
Get to know TASO`s approach
Screening and diagnosis are foundational components of TASO’s tuberculosis (TB) program, crucial for early detection and effective management of TB cases. Here’s how TASO approaches screening and diagnosis:
Prompt Initiation of Treatment: TASO ensures that individuals diagnosed with TB receive prompt initiation of treatment following confirmation of the diagnosis. Immediate treatment initiation is essential for preventing disease progression, reducing transmission, and improving patient outcomes.
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): TASO employs a directly observed therapy (DOT) approach to TB treatment, where patients receive their medications under the direct observation of a healthcare provider or trained community health worker. DOT helps ensure treatment adherence, monitor for side effects, and address barriers to adherence.
Treatment Regimens: TASO follows national and international treatment guidelines for TB management, tailoring treatment regimens based on the type of TB (e.g., drug-susceptible TB, multidrug-resistant TB) and individual patient characteristics such as age, weight, comorbidities, and treatment history. Standard TB treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months.
Monitoring and Follow-Up: TASO closely monitors TB patients throughout the treatment course, conducting regular clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and medication adherence assessments. Patients receive ongoing support, education, and counseling to address any concerns, optimize treatment outcomes, and minimize the risk of treatment failure or relapse.
Management of Drug Resistance: In cases of drug-resistant TB, TASO provides specialized treatment regimens tailored to the specific drug resistance profile of the TB strain. This may involve longer treatment durations, additional medications, and close monitoring for adverse effects.
Integrated TB/HIV Care: TASO integrates TB and HIV services to provide comprehensive care for individuals co-infected with TB and HIV/AIDS. TB/HIV co-infected patients receive concurrent treatment for both conditions, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV and TB medications as appropriate.
Nutritional Support: TASO recognizes the importance of nutritional support in TB treatment, particularly for undernourished individuals or those at risk of malnutrition. TB patients receive nutritional counseling and support to ensure adequate dietary intake and promote recovery.
Patient Education and Counseling: TASO provides comprehensive patient education and counseling on TB treatment, including information about the importance of treatment adherence, potential side effects of medications, and strategies for managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being.