MDR-TB Treatment & Prevention

Interest in the 'Buddy System'

Started by Nida Khan on 12 Jun 2009

Hello everyone,

First of all, I'd just like to re-iterate how helpful and productive these discussions have proved thus far. I know I've tried to make the most of everyone's generosity with their knowledge.

Secondly, as part of the psychosocial support team at Indus Hospital, Karachi, I'm very interested to learn more about how the Buddy System works in providing peer support. In the Indus MDR-TB Control Program, each MDR client is assigned a Treatment Supporter, who daily monitors their intake of medication. Furthermore, we have recently started a basic psychoeducation and counseling training program for these TSs, so that they are able to effectively field minor emotional crises in between follow-ups.

I thus wanted clarification on the role of the buddies in the Buddy System, what kind of support they provide, how often the Buddy dyads meets, and if and where their roles overlap with the TSs. Any information would be of tremendous help.

Thank you,
Nida Khan,
Clinical Counselor,
Indus MDR-TB Control Program,
Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Keywords: Advocacy  Clinical Guidelines