Evidence
This page contains a snapshot of featured content which highlights evidence addressing key clinical questions including areas of uncertainty. Please see the main topic reference list for details of all sources underpinning this topic.
BMJ Best Practice evidence tables
Evidence tables provide easily navigated layers of evidence in the context of specific clinical questions, using GRADE and a BMJ Best Practice Effectiveness rating. Follow the links at the bottom of the table, which go to the related evidence score in the main topic text, providing additional context for the clinical question. Find out more about our evidence tables.
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a Cochrane Clinical Answer that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is moderate or low to moderate where GRADE has been performed and there may be no difference in effectiveness between the intervention and comparison for key outcomes.
Population: People receiving treatment for tuberculosis
Intervention: Direct observation therapy (DOT) ₈
Comparison: Self-administed tuberculosis therapy ᵃ
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Cure (follow-up: up to 6 months) | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Completion of treatment (follow-up: 2 to 8 months) | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Note ᵃ This evidence table summarizes the findings for the comparison DOT versus self-administered tuberculosis therapy, which is the main comparison as stated in the Cochrane review Summary of Findings table. The reviewers also found no statistically significant difference between community-based DOT versus clinic-based DOT or community-based DOT versus family-based DOT for cure up to 6 months and treatment completion at 2 to 6 months. See the full Cochrane Clinical Answer (CCA) for more information. The Cochrane systematic review authors noted that the lack of effectiveness of DOT was surprising but was probably due to the complex issues associated with adherence. They recommended further health systems research to explore enhancements or other strategies.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
Cochrane Clinical Answers
Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs) provide a readable, digestible, clinically focused entry point to rigorous research from Cochrane systematic reviews. They are designed to be actionable and to inform decision making at the point of care and have been added to relevant sections of the main Best Practice text.
- What is the accuracy of lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan (LF‐LAM) for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in unselected HIV‐positive adults (symptomatic or asymptomatic)?
- What is the accuracy of lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan (LF‐LAM) for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in symptomatic HIV‐positive adults?
- What are the benefits and harms of steroids as adjuncts to standard treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis?
- How does directly observed therapy affect outcomes in people being treated for tuberculosis?
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