Smartphones help patients complete TB treatment

A smartphone app can increase the completion rate of TB treatment

28 February 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) patients who record themselves taking their medication via an app are more likely to complete treatment than patients who need to travel to in-person appointments.

TB authorities require patients to take medication under doctor-supervision. This can be a barrier for hard-to-reach communities, particularly as treatment takes several months. England has one of the highest rates of TB in western Europe. Helping patients complete treatment is vital to curing TB.

An NIHR-funded trial led by Prof Andrew Hayward (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) showed patients can use a smartphone app to prove they have taken their treatment. This method is more effective, cheaper and convenient than face-to-face meetings.