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What are the benefits of a community-based TB programme? |
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- A community programme improves a patient's chances of completing their treatment. This is probably due to the extra attention that treatment supporters can pay to the needs of each patient compared with clinic nurses who must see many more patients per day. Another benefit comes from the treatment supporters usually being physically closer to the patient and the understanding they have of the patient's community context.
- The TB sister can spend time more profitably with less patients taking DOT at the clinic. Some of this time should be used to provide more support and information to the patient during consultations and keep her or his records accurate and up-to-date.
- It increases the communication and trust between the clinic and the community. Treatment Supporters can also act as formal or informal primary health advocates in their communities.
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