Literature Review: Use of Smartphone Applications for Drug Taking Supervisors (DTS) in TB Treatment

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death in the world, with an estimated 8 million new cases and 3 million deaths due to tuberculosis each year. The family is the biggest motivator, educator, facilitator, initiator and mediator in providing care for family members who are suffering. Family support plays a very important role in improving medication adherence and ensuring regularity in taking medication and undergoing treatment requires a DTS. Cellular phone technology helps health services to provide health interventions to people who may be difficult to reach. Smartphones have several applications that have been used to support health services, including promoting TB treatment adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a smartphone application for DTS in the treatment of tuberculosis. The method used in this research is Literature Review. The result of this research is that smartphone media is effective in helping the role of DTS in assisting TB. In handling TB, apart from being a reminder to take medication, smartphone applications are also able to improve communication between clients and health workers and minimize barriers to access to health care facilities. The conclusion of this study is that the Drug Administration Supervisor (DTS) has a significant role in the successful treatment of TB patients. In fact, the cure rate of TB patients who were accompanied by DTS was greater than that of patients who were not accompanied by DTS. Smartphone media is effective in increasing treatment adherence of TB patients compared to direct observation