Abstract
Objectives:
Concordance to prophylactic chemotherapy is essential for the success of any LTBI control policy and innovative approaches are required to improve this. Concordance and treatment completion rates vary widely in the literature for any recognised LTBI therapeutic regimen. The study's objective was to determine treatment completion rates using a nurse-led assisted treatment approach.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study design was utilised and patients treated for LTBI were recruited from a pre-existing database (2009 to 2012). Case notes were reviewed to obtain further data if necessary.
The assisted approach consisted of an initial, monthly and post treatment completion contact by a TB nurse specialist and regular telephone support if needed.
Patients were given the choice of either a 6 month (Isoniazid alone), 3 month treatment regimen (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) or advice and education.
Results:
A total of 146 cases were identified over the 4 year period (61% were male and 39% female). The majority were in the 16-34 year age group (n=77) and the largest group were asylum seekers (n=45). 132 (89%) chose the three month regimen.
120 (82%) patients completed treatment, 11 stopped treatment because of side effects (none worse than grade 2 toxicity), 9 were lost to follow up and 6 declined drug therapy.
Conclusion:
The findings demonstrate that a high treatment completion rate over 80% can be achieved with a nurse led assisted approach for LTBI treatment.
- © 2014 ERS