RetourAfter completing TB treatment, some people have to deal with the possibility of post-TB symptoms or sometimes respiratory disability or sequelae. TB recurrence may happen in a small proportion of patients including those successfully treated. Counselling at the end of TB treatment is necessary to provide people with necessary information on the possibilities of post-TB symptoms, disability or sequelae, or the recurrence of TB; they need to access health care services for follow-up examinations when necessary. The process of counselling should continue to support people to adjust to their health challenges until they are emotionally stable. Counselling aims to provide a safe and trusted space to help people to work through their inner fears and apprehensions.
Patients and family members often need emotional support to face the losses associated with post-TB disability. People who suffer from post-treatment debilitating complications may also experience adverse psychological, social and financial impacts. It is extremely important to monitor their adjustment to compromised health status. It may take up to several months before they are able to completely recover their emotional health. During this period, counselling and other forms of social and occupational support can be of tremendous help.