mHealth for Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence: A Framework to Guide Ethical Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

Michael J DiStefano, Harald Schmidt, Michael J DiStefano, Harald Schmidt

Abstract

Promising mHealth approaches for TB treatment adherence include:

  1. Video observation

  2. Patient- or device-facilitated indirect monitoring

  3. Direct monitoring through embedded sensors or metabolite testing

To mitigate ethical concerns, our framework considers accuracy of monitoring technologies, stigmatization and intrusiveness of the technologies, use of incentives, and the balance of individual and public good.

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