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Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: its delivery in the community

Linda Nazarko1

  • 1Ealing Hospital Trust. linda@nazarko.co.uk

British Journal of Community Nursing
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is increasingly common, with nearly 70% of suitable inpatients now candidates. Services are evolving to meet demand, focusing on models, setup, and staff development for effective delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Healthcare Management
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) suitability has significantly increased from a minority 15 years ago to nearly 70% of inpatients.
  • A substantial proportion, 38-53%, of patients requiring OPAT can self-administer the therapy.
  • There is a growing demand for intravenous antimicrobial therapy, necessitating changes in its delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine current service models for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).
  • To provide guidance on establishing and developing staff for OPAT services.
  • To address the evolving landscape of intravenous antimicrobial therapy delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and service models for OPAT.
  • Analysis of factors influencing patient suitability and self-administration rates.
  • Discussion of best practices for OPAT service implementation and staff training.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in patient suitability for OPAT over the past 15 years.
  • High percentage of patients capable of self-administering OPAT.
  • Identification of key elements for successful OPAT service delivery.

Conclusions:

  • OPAT services are becoming a mainstream component of antimicrobial therapy.
  • Effective service models and trained staff are crucial for expanding OPAT.
  • The trend indicates a shift towards more community-based antimicrobial treatments.

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