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What is the full form of DOTS?
DOTS stands for Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course. Also known as TB – DOTS, it is a strategy that aims at curing and reducing the risk of TB (tuberculosis). In this, a medical representative provides the recommended TB medications to tuberculosis patients and makes sure that the patient takes every dose.
It is necessary to supervise the patients because if left alone they may not take the medicine, which may cause the spreading of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Main actions of DOTS
- Supplying the prescribed drug.
- Checking for side effects of the medication.
- Ensuring that the patient intakes the drug regularly.
- Detailing the visit
- Answering queries related to TB and DOTS.
Significance of DOTS
- Avoids transition of TB.
- Reduces the probability of treatment error and drug-resistance tuberculosis.
- Ensures quick and interruption-free treatment of TB.
- According to reports, under DOTS, 85-90 percent of TB patients administered their medications properly as compared to the 62 percent of TB patients who underwent self-administered therapy.
- Supervises patients so that they can take drugs as guided; without any fail or difficulty.