Continuous support that goes far beyond purely medical care is crucial for successful tuberculosis treatment. Since psychosocial and economic challenges often pose obstacles to adherence to treatment, various social and medical support services are available to help patients navigate the months-long treatment process with stability.

The most important tools include:

• Social Services Counseling and Support: Contact with social services should be initiated as soon as a diagnosis is made or during a hospital stay to assist with clarifying health insurance coverage, securing housing, or addressing financial issues.

• Language and Cultural Mediation: To break down language barriers and avoid misunderstandings in treatment planning, the use of professional language and cultural mediators is essential.  

• Networking and case conferences: In complex situations, interdisciplinary collaboration between medical staff, social workers, and public health departments helps identify tailored solutions for each individual case.

• In certain cases, it may be advisable to supplement tablet administration with directly observed therapy (DOT).

For more information on available support options, please visit www.no1lost.de and consult the DZK’s therapy recommendations.