Xavier Casas, Serveis Clínics, Barcelona, Spain
Andrii Dudnyk, Serveis Clínics, Barcelona, Spain
Israel Molina, Serveis Clínics, Barcelona, Spain
Gaston Auguste, Serveis Clínics, Barcelona, Spain
Joan-Pau Millet, Serveis Clínics, Barcelona, Spain; Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is associated with lengthy, poorly tolerated, and less effective treatment compared with drug-susceptible TB, as well as high rates of mental health disorders and socioeconomic vulnerability. The aim of this article is to describe the potential of a holistic treatment approach as a complementary strategy to the chemotherapy of DR-TB. At the specialized TB hospital Serveis Clínics in Barcelona, Spain, a multidisciplinary team has implemented a holistic, person-centered approach using comprehensive clinical and psychosocial assessments that address patients’ main needs, rather than focusing solely on airborne isolation and observed therapy, thereby improving adherence and outcomes. However, our experience may be difficult to extrapolate to other settings, where limited access to novel drugs, insufficient funding of national TB programs, and poor multisectoral coordination remain significant barriers. In conclusion, future clinical studies should evaluate the integration of malnutrition treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation, and psychological interventions within DR-TB care models.
