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Home intravenous antibiotic therapy. A practical management approach for the 1980s
Abstract:
The development of antibiotics with extended duration of activity, combined with the social and economic changes in the practice of medicine in recent years, has resulted in use of home intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy to treat a wide range of infections in selected patients. At Lovelace Medical Center, infections of the musculoskeletal system have accounted for two thirds of the cases for which such therapy is used. First-and third-generation cephalosporins have been used most often and at our institution are almost identical in terms of actual charges to the patient. Although several important medicolegal and ethical problems have yet to be resolved, home IV antibiotic therapy has been shown to be safe, effective, and capable of reducing medical costs to both patients and health care providers.
Insights
Home intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is safe and effective for treating various infections, particularly musculoskeletal issues. This approach reduces healthcare costs for patients and providers, despite unresolved ethical concerns.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Advancements in antibiotic development and changes in medical practice have led to increased use of home intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
- Home IV antibiotic therapy is utilized for selected patients with a variety of infections.
- Musculoskeletal infections represent a significant portion (two-thirds) of home IV antibiotic therapy cases at Lovelace Medical Center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of home intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
- To analyze the types of infections treated with home IV antibiotic therapy, with a focus on musculoskeletal infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients receiving home IV antibiotic therapy.
- Analysis of infection types, antibiotics used (primarily first- and third-generation cephalosporins), and patient outcomes.
- Assessment of associated medical costs.
Main Results:
- Home IV antibiotic therapy was found to be safe and effective in treating a range of infections.
- Musculoskeletal infections were the most common indication for home IV antibiotic therapy.
- First- and third-generation cephalosporins were frequently used and had comparable patient charges.
- The therapy demonstrated potential for reducing medical costs.
Conclusions:
- Home IV antibiotic therapy is a viable and cost-effective treatment option for selected patients.
- Further resolution of medicolegal and ethical issues is needed.
- This therapeutic approach offers benefits to both patients and healthcare providers.