Patients' views and experience of intravenous and oral antimicrobial therapy: room for change

Little is known about patients' views or preferences about the route of administration of antimicrobials. In this study semi-structured interviews were carried out to assess patients' perceptions of an infection that required IV antimicrobial therapy in hospital, their preference for intravenous, IV followed by oral and discharge on oral therapy or home IV therapy. Interviews were transcribed and the content analysed. Twelve patients were interviewed while in hospital or by telephone after discharge. Patients' information about their infection was incomplete and many expressed the view that they would like more information. Many patients expressed a preference for oral therapy over IV therapy although this was dependent on it being of equal efficacy. Contrary views were related to personal difficulty with tablets. Patients varied in their acceptance of home IV therapy and expressed concern about adequate support but the majority expressed a preference for being discharged on oral therapy once they were well enough.