Exploring the Role of Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) in Improving Medication Adherence of Multidrug Resistant-Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients in Rodriguez, Rizal: Qualitative Descriptive Study

  • Bea Gracia Cruz St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Pamela Cielci Gulapa St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Gia Leone Valler Herrero St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Frances Bea Ibañez St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Christabelle Chloe Ilagan St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Mikaela Alexandra S. Imperial St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Keren Ashley T. Kempis St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Jan Cyrelle P. Laxa St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Robert Brent D. Lim St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
Keywords: adherence, multidrug resistant-tuberculosis patients, assigned healthcare provider, video-observed therapy

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study explored the role of Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) in improving medication adherence among 10 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients (MDR-TB) who were declared cured upon successful completion of treatment at a selected rural health unit in Rizal, Philippines. A semi-structured interview was conducted to gather rich, detailed data from the informants. The study utilized Braun and Clarke’s 6-step Thematic Analysis for generating five major themes, (1) Connected to Care: Strengthening TB Treatment through Communication and Technology, (2) A Push From Within: Ownership and Commitment in TB Treatment, (3) Patient-Control through Accessible and Remote Monitoring, (4) Factors That Contribute to the Usability of VOT Among Patients, and (5) Ease Depends on Access: Exploring Connectivity in the Use of VOT. These reflect the informants' perceptions and experiences towards VOT as a treatment modality. The researchers recommended further exploration of the use and value of VOT from a patient and healthcare perspective, a comparative study between Directly-Observed Therapy (DOT) and Video-Observed Therapy (VOT), barriers to using the modality, and understanding the implementation of VOT in other resource-limited settings.

Author Biographies

Bea Gracia Cruz, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Dr. Bea-Gracia M. Cruz is a Filipino nursing professor, researcher, and author specializing in hospital administration and leadership. She holds key roles in prominent nursing organizations and is a prolific contributor to academic literature in the field. Dr. Cruz holds a Doctor of Nursing Management (DNM) from Trinity University of Asia (2014), a Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) major in Health in the Ateneo School of Business. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the "COMPOSURE behaviours of advanced beginner nurses". She is a Professor of Nursing at Trinity University of Asia and Philippine Christian University and has worked in healthcare leadership at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, The Medical City Clark, and as the founding Chief Nursing Officer of Overseas Filipino Workers' Hospital in the Philippines. Dr. Cruz has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles on topics such as nursing leadership and professional quality of life for nurse managers.

Pamela Cielci Gulapa, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Pamela Cielci L. Gulapa is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. Her interests include nursing research, innovation, and the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery. She has been involved in various research projects that reflect her commitment to patient-centered care and community health.

Gia Leone Valler Herrero, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Gia Leone V. Herrero is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. Her interests include journalism, in which she currently serves as an active member of her university’s publication. As a student nurse, her goal is to use her learning to give back to the community, especially to those in need of compassionate and quality healthcare. 

Frances Bea Ibañez, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Frances Bea S. Ibañez is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She is dedicated to her studies and continues to develop her knowledge and skills both in the classroom and during clinical practice.

Christabelle Chloe Ilagan, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Christabelle Chloe B. Ilagan is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. Known for her ambition and perseverance, she consistently sets practical goals to achieve her life aspirations. Her dream is not only to make an impact on the lives of others but also to leave a lasting imprint through the work she continues to accomplish.

Mikaela Alexandra S. Imperial, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Mikaela Alexandra S. Imperial is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She has a strong interest in quality improvement that guides her in her studies and clinical practice.

Keren Ashley T. Kempis, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Keren Ashley T. Kempis is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She embodies a distinguished balance of academic excellence, clinical competence, and transformative leadership reflecting her unwavering dedication to both scholarly engagement and institutional advancement.

Jan Cyrelle P. Laxa, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Jan Cyrelle P. Laxa is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She is pursuing her passion for healthcare and service through her nursing education. With dedication to both academic growth and patient care, she continues to build the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the nursing profession.

Robert Brent D. Lim, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Robert Brent D. Lim is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke’s College of Nursing. In the United States, he was a part of the Kiwanis Keyclub International. He has gained skills in communication, leadership, and time management through events such as the Food Drive and Distribution, Community Clean-Ups, and college events.

 

Published
2026-04-18
How to Cite
Cruz, B. G., Gulapa, P. C., Herrero, G. L., Ibañez, F. B., Ilagan, C. C., Imperial, M. A., Kempis, K. A., Laxa, J. C., & Lim, R. B. (2026, April 18). Exploring the Role of Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) in Improving Medication Adherence of Multidrug Resistant-Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients in Rodriguez, Rizal: Qualitative Descriptive Study. Puissant, 7, 3292-3312. Retrieved from //puissant.stepacademic.net/puissant/article/view/797
Issue
Vol 7 (2026): Volume 7
Section
Articles