SHANDONG - CHINA

TB DOT cohort study in China

The overall aim of the cohort study and the RCT on DOT was to provide evidence for improving the quality of TB care and ensuring high treatment completion and cure rates for TB patients. High successful treatment rates reduce deaths and suffering, avoid drug resistance, reduce transmission, and so control the disease in China.

The specific objectives of the project are:

1. To prepare for the randomised controlled trial in terms of:

• Data collection and reporting system;
• Indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of different DOT strategies;
• Improved supervision system (from province to counties) to ensure reliable treatment outcomes;
• Training materials for village doctors and family members.

2. To evaluate the effectiveness of family member DOT versus the current village doctor DOT

3. To explore the effect of improved supervision system on TB recording and reporting

4. To explore the possible quality control system for the current DOTS strategy.