Rethinking optimal care for TB
Historically, the most widely-implemented means of supporting TB patients on treatment is Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) where a health care worker watches the medication being taken, either at a health care facility or at a patient’s home. The DOT approach has advanced global decline in TB incidence. However, innovations are needed to improve patient-centered care, enable a more efficient health care system and empower patients and health care workers so that a greater impact in curing and preventing all types of TB can be achieved.
Patient challenges with the current DOT approach:
Provider challenges with the current DOT approach:
The ASCENT project helps patients successfully complete their course of treatment through the use of digital adherence technologies and data-driven support interventions, utilizing tools such as smart pill boxes and other innovations.
These digital adherence technologies empower patients to take their daily medication at a time and place that suits them best. Additionally they provide real-time information to the TB doctor or nurse, helping to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual patient and by enabling focused efforts on those patients that require extra support.
At this moment, these technologies are only used on a small scale in the international fight against TB. The ASCENT project aims to make them accessible to all TB patients worldwide.
Potential patient benefits:
Potential provider benefits:


The ASCENT project is implemented in: