Background Non-adherence to medication regimens is a significant problem in older patients, which can lead to therapeutic failure and the wastage of resources. Common causes include poor patient memory, physical difficulties, unpleasant side effects and a lack of social support.

Conclusion Strategies such as careful labelling, self-administration of medicine programmes, simplifying drug regimens and the use of medication compliance devices can help to promote patient adherence. Some of these interventions will work for certain patients, however the authors recommend that a multidisciplinary assessment and a regular review of each patient’s ability to adhere to medication should be undertaken.

Aim The objective of this study was to Investigate Issues regarding adherence with tuberculosis therapy and the use of directly observed therapy.

Method A small-scale survey of TB nurse specialists at chest clinics In London was carried out to determine the current use of directly observed therapy for patients with tuberculosis In London.

Results Responses to this survey Indicate that directly observed therapy Is currently used In less than half the available services In London. Many of the specialist TB nurses Indicated that lack of resources and time were drawbacks to Implementing directly observed therapy.

Conclusion Directly observed therapy was found to be a strategy that was Infreguently used as a last measure for those people who were previous non-adherers.