Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is primarily used to ensure that patients adhere to their medication regimen, particularly in the treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). This approach involves a healthcare provider or trained individual watching the patient take their medications as prescribed. The key objective is to enhance adherence to treatment plans, which is crucial because missed doses can lead to treatment failure, the development of drug-resistant strains of the disease, and an increase in the risk of transmission to others.

By ensuring that patients take their medications consistently and correctly, DOT not only improves individual patient outcomes but also plays a significant role in public health by helping to control outbreaks and protect community health. While the other options touch on important aspects of healthcare—such as patient satisfaction, recovery from surgery, and hospitalization—they do not capture the primary purpose of DOT, which is centered on medication adherence and managing infectious diseases effectively.