Give Directly Observed Therapy
In any situation, consider extending the use of DOT to improve the treatment success rate. Also, persons who are at high risk for nonadherence should receive DOT:
Persons who abuse substances
Persons with mental, emotional, or certain physical Impairments that interfere with their ability to self-administer medications
Children and adolescents
Persons with a history of treatment nonadherence
A DOT program is a comprehensive combination of patient-focused services.
Think of DOT as a positive service to help your patients to complete therapy.
To provide DOT positively, tell your patients how it will help them.
Tailor DOT to your patient's particular needs and circumstances. As much as possible, encourage your patients to participate in planning the treatment strategy.
Be creative and flexible in determining how your patients can best be brought into planning their own treatment.
