DIRECTLY OBSERVED THERAPY (DOT) TRAINING CURRICULUM FOR TB CONTROL PROGRAMS
This training curriculum product was developed to improve the skills of DOT workers in public health TB control programs. The curriculum was originally developed as a training binder, targeted to TB Controllers, Program Managers, Health Educators and others who train DOT staff. The DOT Curriculum includes a trainer's guide and participant materials, as well as handouts, training outlines, PowerPoint presentations and an educational videotape. This online version has been modified to facilitate access to the content. The materials for instructors and participants have been organized into separate folders divided along the six sessions of the DOT course.
This skill-based curriculum addresses the following topics:
- Overview of TB epidemiology
- Overview of TB case management
- Description of DOT activities
- Skills to promote patient adherence to TB treatment
- Patient education
- Role of incentives and enablers
- Protecting patient confidentiality
- Working with culturally diverse populations
- Working with interpreters
- Working with homeless and/or substance using clients
- Field safety
- Respiratory protection
The curriculum designers recognize that TB programs differ widely in their practices regarding DOT, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. For example, some programs practice universal DOT; others lack the resources or have a heavy caseload, making it difficult to pursue this strategy. The DOT Trainer's Curriculum was designed to promote a core set of skills for any staff who perform DOT duties regardless of the special circumstances that shape local TB programs' policies and procedures.
Date of Release: June 2003