Problem being addressed
Multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing problem. Drug resistance occurs as a result of the incomplete or incorrect use of antibiotics in the treatment of patients with tuberculosis. In order to increase compliance with tuberculosis drug regimens and improve outcomes in developing countries, X-Out TB uses SMS technology to keep track of treatment regimens.
Detailed description of the solution
X-Out TB provides tuberculosis patients with a monthly supply of urinalysis test strips that are released from a dispenser every 24 hours. The strips have four printed numbers and chemicals that change color when reacting with the urine of a patient who has been taking his or her medication. The patient then sends an SMS with the strip's numbers to a central database, which is monitored by physicians and healthcare workers.
Designed by
- Design: X-Out TB is a product of the MIT IDEAS Competition in 2007. Jose Gomez-Marquez and Elizabeth Leshen of Massachusetts Institute of Technology are the main contacts for this project.
- Manufacturing: Cambridge, Massachusetts USA
Where it was tested
A feasibility trial of X-Out TB took place in Nicaragua and a broader pilot project was launched in liaison with Indus Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Funding Source
X-Out TB primarily receives donor funding, although it is currently exploring transformation into a private, for-profit entity.
References
Peer-reviewed publication
Barclay. E. "Text messages could hasten tuberculosis drug compliance." The Lancet. 373.9657 (2009): 15-6.
Other internally generated reports
Trafton, Anne. "Eradicating TB with…cell phone minutes?" MITnews. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 13 March 2011. Link available here.
Externally generated reports
"Monitor: Taken your medicine?" The Economist. 2011. 13 March 2011. Link available here.
Levitt, Steven D. "An Ingenious Approach to Drug Compliance." Freakonomics. 1 April 2009. 13 March 2011. Link available here.