Services Database Directly Observed Therapy for Tuberculosis (Torbay area)

The main aim of this specification is to support the treatment of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in an appropriate setting.

The pharmacy will:

• nominate members of staff to receive training from the TB nurse specialist;
• keep medication secure and inform the TB nurse specialist two weeks before supplies run out;
• medication should be taken in a suitable quiet area. Water should be provided in a disposable cup. The member of staff should watch that all tablets have been swallowed;
• the pharmacy must have a suitable area where directly observed therapy (DOT) can be carried out in confidence, away from other members of the public or staff.
• the pharmacy must be fully compliant with all essential services i.e. there are no outstanding items from monitoring visits; and
• the record sheet should be completed at each attendance and copied to the TB nurse specialist monthly.

The hospital TB support will:

• provide training and supervision by the TB nurse specialist;
• ensure that the medication requirements are supplied to the pharmacy volume for information;
• contact the patient in the event that they do not attend; and
• provide any other necessary support and advice about treatment.

The Commissioner will remunerate the pharmacy for providing DOT on receipt of monthly activity.

Staff who are involved in the provision of this service will have received training from the TB specialist nurse.