Effect of digital adherence technologies on treatment outcomes in people with drug-susceptible tuberculosis: four pragmatic, cluster-randomised trials.

Background: The impact of digital adherence technologies on tuberculosis treatment outcomes remains poorly understood. We investigated whether smart pillboxes and medication labels can reduce poor treatment outcomes in patients with tuberculosis.

Methods: We did independent pragmatic, cluster-randomised trials in the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ukraine.

Effectiveness of digital adherence technologies in improving tuberculosis treatment outcomes in four countries: a pragmatic cluster randomised trial protocol.

Introduction: Successful treatment of tuberculosis depends to a large extent on good adherence to treatment regimens, which relies on directly observed treatment (DOT). This in turn requires frequent visits to health facilities. High costs to patients, stigma and burden to the health system challenged the DOT approach.