Improving quality of life for residents living with TB

Each year, on March 24, York Region acknowledges World TB (Tuberculosis) Day. Every day, York Region Public Health supports residents living with TB. In 2022, the York Region Public Health TB team introduced a new tool called Video Directly Observed Therapy, and it continues to improve the quality of life and care for residents living with TB.

Using video-enabled devices, Video Directly Observed Therapy allows a York Region Public Health nurse to connect remotely with TB clients while they take their daily TB medication.

Video Directly Observed Therapy offers many benefits for TB clients in York Region, including: 

• Convenience and flexibility – clients can remotely connect with a nurse in any private space using their laptop, tablet or smartphone
• Support throughout the treatment plan – connection with a York Region Public Health nurse as clients take their medications  
• Supportive discussions about reducing any fear or feelings of uncertainty about living with TB, including discussing potential side effects that may deter clients from taking their medications
• Referrals to community supports as needed, such as financial assistance and housing 

Overall, Video Directly Observed Therapy enhances and improves the client experience and helps the client to live a healthy and productive life. As this year’s theme for World TB Day reminds us: “Yes! We can end TB!” 

For more information about TB services, go to york.ca/TB.