Technology Challenges and Opportunities Across the Cascade of TB Care
PHC facilities serve an essential role across the cascade of TB care. They face multiple challenges, however, to fully implement national and WHO TB control guidelines. New technologies and improvements to existing ones are needed to address these challenges and create new opportunities to stop the spread of TB and drug resistance. Missed diagnosis is currently the most critical gap to fill, with tools and equipment needed that can be effectively used for care at the PHC level. Innovations across the cascade of TB care can enhance early detection and ensure timely, effective treatment to stop the spread of TB. A web-based atlas of innovations is in development to showcase new approaches for TB elimination at varying stages from discovery to deployment and for an audience including health officials, policy makers, researchers and funders.
Treatment
TB patients need to take multiple antibiotic pills over the course of 6-9 months. Adhering to the drug regimen until completion is challenging, but essential to avoid treatment failure, disease relapse, and drug resistance. Digital technologies for treatment monitoring can support patients taking medication as prescribed. The range of tools is described in a WHO handbook and in a global task force’s digital technologies resource. New digital tools, specifically designed to incorporate the patient contexts in individual countries, could improve the patient experience and help ensure successful treatment to completion. Cluster-randomized trials in four countries of digital adherence technologies, however, did not reduce poor treatment outcomes for patients with TB, although this does not preclude potential economic benefits or other patient benefits.
Name | Innovator | Description | Image | Development Status | Implementing Countries | Price | Infrastructure requirements | Medication compatibility | Other features | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
99 Dots | System combining augmented blister packaging for TB medication with cell phone use for real-time medication monitoring. |  | On Market | 9 | Unknown | In country toll-free phone numbers or text messaging | Fixed dose combination (FDC) compatible; not with multiple pills or package formats | Small packaging reduces stigmatization | ||
Tenovi | Pillbox with built-in sensors that automatically detect when pill compartments are opened or refilled, transmitting data to the cloud for remote monitoring. |  | On Market | 20 | $53.75 | 2G mobile network (36 months included) | All Types and combination of treatments | Visual and audio dose reminders | ||
GH LabsThe Better Lab | Internet-enabled pillbox and medication pouch with human-centered design for monitoring TB medication adherence. |  | On Market | Available via Wisepill | Unknown | Mobile network (2G/4G/LTE) | Unknown | Unknown |
