Hyperbolic discounting in tuberculosis

In order to combat tuberculosis, it is necessary to take the correct medication on a regular basis after release from the hospital. To ensure the correct medications are taken, a common method is Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), which is taking the pills while observed by a medical professional. This method is costly for the patient in terms of both time and money. To reduce the friction involved in taking medication, researchers are testing Virtually Observed Treatment (VOT), in which the observation can be done by video. This will allow for the same safety without the small, immediate costs of DOT. Results are not yet available, but researchers expect that patients in the VOT condition will take their medications one day per month more than those in the DOT condition.