Empowering TB Patients Through Technology
The SureAdhere Impact
“I call it the Lament of Job, from the Bible. His well-known plea was, ‘Why me, Lord?’”
This was Chris Buri's immediate reaction upon being diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), a diagnosis he never anticipated…
Introduction
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that usually attacks the lungs, but Chris's case was far from traditional. After back surgery, persistent pain led to the discovery that he had contracted TB through a contaminated cadaver bone used during the procedure. This rare occurrence was part of a larger outbreak identified by the CDC, which quickly mobilized to address the issue. Chris's diagnosis was non-pulmonary TB, meaning it was not contagious and was contained in his lumbar region.
Despite the initial shock and disbelief, Chris embraced his treatment with resilience and a proactive mindset. Reflecting on his diagnosis, Chris explained how he had to adjust his expectations and focus on his recovery. “I took a lot of pride in my fitness level and my activity level. My immediate thought was, why me?”
For Chris, this journey was fraught with difficulties, but it also highlighted the critical need for robust support systems and innovative solutions.
The Role of VDOT in Chris's Treatment
“Within six months I’m on SureAdhere which was very easy to use. Download the app and as long as I had a Wi-Fi connection, it was great! Towards the end of my 365 days I was traveling in the Columbian Andes, and using SureAdhere to VDOT.”
One of the significant challenges in TB treatment is ensuring that patients adhere to their medication schedules. Non-adherence can lead to drug resistance, prolonged illness, and increased transmission. Traditional Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) involves healthcare workers observing patients taking their medication, which can be logistically challenging and intrusive.
Chris's treatment included a 12-month medication regimen, initially monitored through in-person directly observed therapy (DOT). However, he soon transitioned to video directly observed therapy (VDOT) using the SureAdhere app, allowing him to take his medication remotely.
For Chris, SureAdhere was a game-changer. It provided him the flexibility to manage his treatment without constant in-person supervision, allowing him to maintain his daily activities and even travel to the Colombian Andes during his treatment.
Advocacy and Raising Awareness
Chris’s experience inspired him to become an advocate for TB patients, leading him to join We Are TB, an organization dedicated to supporting TB patients and survivors. By sharing his story and advocating for increased research and funding, Chris aims to prevent similar experiences and enhance the lives of those affected by TB. “Sharing my story is good therapy and helps raise awareness,” he said.
The Broader Impact of SureAdhere
“VDOT, SureAdhere, gave me freedom. It gave me my schedule back. It gave me some ownership of time, of my day”
Chris's story is just one example of how SureAdhere is transforming TB treatment. Sureadhere addresses several key challenges faced by TB patients and healthcare providers:
Enhanced Treatment Adherence: SureAdhere’s VDOT ensures that patients are consistently taking their medication, reducing the risk of drug resistance and improving overall treatment outcomes.
Patient Empowerment: By allowing patients to manage their treatment independently, SureAdhere fosters a sense of control and empowerment, crucial for their mental and emotional well-being.
Cost-Effectiveness: VDOT reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, cutting down on travel costs and logistical burdens for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Chris Buri's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of technology in TB treatment, highlighting how technology can truly change lives for the better. The fight against TB is far from over, but with SureAdhere we are making significant strides in enhancing treatment adherence and empowering providers to ensure that all TB patients have access to the crucial support and tools they need to conquer this disease.
For more insights and to listen to Chris Buri's full story, check out
Empowering TB Patients through Technology: The SureAdhere Impact
