TB ShORRT UK V1.2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
TB ShORRT UK: an implementation evaluation of shorter, all-oral regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis in the United Kingdom.
IRAS ID
317172
Contact name
David A J Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN14005421
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the United Kingdom (UK).
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that affects over 4,000 people in the UK each year and over 10 million people globally. It can be difficult to treat, especially for those with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), who have traditionally needed two years of treatment, often with daily injections. Recently, research from other countries has shown that shorter treatments of only 6-9 months can be effective, without the need for injections. These shorter treatments have not been studied in the UK before nor compared directly to our current treatments; however, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that they can be used in all countries, as studies have shown them to be very effective and much easier to take.
Nonetheless, some uncertainty remains about shorter treatments, as the patients and healthcare systems in the studies differed from those in the UK. The WHO have developed a research package, called TB ShORRT, to assist countries in monitoring the impact of shorter treatments in their own setting. This study will use the TB ShORRT package to collect information about patients with DR-TB in the UK, including their test results, their treatments and their experiences. The study is observational so taking part will not influence people’s treatments, only the way that their information is recorded and analysed. The information will help to determine the best and most cost-effective treatments for our population.
The experience of people living with DR-TB is central to our study, and we will be asking them about the acceptability of the treatment, how it impacts their quality of life and any negative comments (stigma) they may receive. This will ensure the voice of patients is heard in future guidelines.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0374
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion