Traditional tuberculosis treatment happens in-person, with a health worker observing patients as they take their medication. But when a cluster of cases at a Kansas high school overwhelmed health department staff, they were able to turn to their video screens for help.
In February 2015, a Johnson County student was diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis, with a public health investigation identifying 50 latent cases of infection. With just two nurses, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment turned to video-based directly observed therapy intervention, according to a study published April 14 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Among the 15 people eligible to participate in the video-based therapy, 14 completed the treatment regimen. The video treatments allowed the health department to handle the high number of cases with a small staff and also saved $2,066 in mileage and staff time, the study reported.
“Video directly observed therapy, which previously had only been used during treatment of persons with active TB disease, is a viable option that can reduce costs and the time involved for both TB staff members and patients, while maintaining high compliance and completion rates,” the study stated.
No additional cases of TB disease were linked to the index patient or the high school as of March 2017.
Communication was also key during the investigation, the health department reported. Staff worked closely with the school and community during the TB investigation, sending home letters, sharing social media posts and issuing news releases. In addition to a presentation at the high school, department staff hosted an informational forum for the public and the media.
“Throughout the investigation, JCDHE’s TB nurses were available to provide information to concerned school and community members,” the study authors said.
For more information on the study, visit www.cdc.gov/mmwr.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association