The Crucial Role of Nurses in Caring for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) represents a complex public health crisis and poses a significant barrier to achieving the goals of the global End TB Strategy. Patients confront multidimensional burdens stemming from prolonged treatment regimens, severe adverse drug reactions, and profound psychological, social, and economic impacts. These factors frequently contribute to treatment failure. Consequently, a care model focused solely on the disease or medication is insufficient to address this multifaceted challenge. This academic article aims to synthesize knowledge from international and national guidelines to propose a holistic, patient-centered nursing framework that encompasses 11 key nursing roles. This framework is designed to guide nurses, who are the healthcare professionals in closest contact with patients, in systematically integrating care to meet the diverse needs of individuals with DR-TB. These roles range from patient empowerment and psychosocial or economic support to case management in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, as well as the provision of palliative care. The application of this integrated framework will enhance nurses’ capacity to serve as a cornerstone in overcoming treatment barriers. It will lead to higher treatment success rates, improved patients’ quality of life, and most importantly serve as a critical driving force for Thailand to achieve its goal of sustainably ending tuberculosis.