939Electronic Mail (email) Reminders as an Alternative to Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) using 12 weeks of Rifapentine and INH (R plus I) for Healthcare Workers (HCWs)

Management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Healthcare Workers: 10-Year Experience at a Single Center

“…One potential barrier to RPT/INH has been the need for DOT [27]. However, as demonstrated in a small pilot study of 26 HCWs, we have implemented a self-administration strategy incorporating weekly email reminders, monthly urine color inspections, and confirmations with the dispensing pharmacy to assure that prescriptions have been filled as an alternative to DOT [31]. During the last 5 years of our study (2010-2014), INH was no longer the regimen of choice for the majority of HCWs.…”

“…However, because of severe hepatotoxicity occurring in an HCW taking INH alone, LFTs were subsequently monitored on a monthly basis after the first quarter of 2009. As previously reported by Lacaille et al [31], a self-administration strategy was developed instead of DOT for the RPT/INH treatment regimen. This strategy utilized weekly email reminders coupled with monthly urine color checks for the orange color change associated with RPT, and retrospectively confirmed with the dispensing pharmacy that prescriptions were actually filled.…”