This research is designed to develop a specialized system called TeleMinder-TBC (tuberculosis Care) for use with outpatient populations most at risk for tuberculosis, i. e., racial and ethnic minorities, recent immigrants, the elderly, and HIV infected ind ividuals. Te]eMinder-TBC is designed to increase compliance in tuberculosiscare by allowing health care providers to send voice mail messages to patients. These messages are developed on the basis of a multi-factor model of compliance. With its completion and validation in Phase II, TeleMinder-TBC System will provide a system and set of procedures to more cost-effectively: 1) identify and contact individuals at high risk for tuberculosis; 2) increase compliance with screening, prophylactic, and treatment aspects of tuberculosis, including appointment-keeping and medication use; and 3) provide patient and community education about tuberculosis. The TeleMinder-TBC System is specifically designed for those approximately 1700 hospitals and clinics engaged in multiple facets of tuberculosis care.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The Teleminder-TBC voice mail system will increase Tuberculosis prevention and treatment. It will have application in all 1,700 hospitals and clinics in the United States that provide treatment and prevention for out-patients. Thus, there is a well defined commercial market of all 1,700 facilities treating tuberculosis.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
