Can the directly observed treatment for tuberculosis be replaced and still be successful in treatment?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the application of telemonitoring for monitoring the treatment of patients with TB, according to the nurse's view. A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out in a UBS located in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, where 10 professionals (including nurses and nursing residents in their second year of professional residency) evaluated TB treatments underway during the pandemic. Bardin's content analysis was applied in this study. There were different perceptions about this tool used to monitor these patients. It was possible to realize that telemonitoring can be applied as an ally for monitoring patients undergoing treatment for chronic diseases, especially those who have difficulties accessing face-to-face care, although it should be mentioned that there is a certain loss of quality in care because this method does not allow observe information that is not verbalized by the patient.