Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) is a great way for patients to receive Intravenous (IV) antimicrobials in their own home, community or in an outpatient setting avoiding the need for inpatient care.

It’s intended for those who require IV therapy for moderate to severe infections but are otherwise well enough to be at home. Receiving their treatment at home also means patients may recover more quickly as they are relaxed and in their own environment.

The benefits of OPAT include admission avoidance and reduced length of stay in hospital. This frees up our inpatient capacity. There are also significant cost savings compared with inpatient care, a reduction in the risk of healthcare-associated infection and improved patient choice.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with OPAT include – Cellulitis, Bronchiectasis, Endocarditis, Meningitis, Lung Abscess, Abdominal Abscess, Bone & Joint Infections, Tuberculosis, Urinary Tract Infections and Diabetic Foot Infections.

OPAT can be used as once, twice or three times daily administrations via either a bolus or an infusion (maximum time 30 minutes). The course duration can last from 1 day up to many months and patients can be managed with either peripheral cannulas or central access.

If you’d like more information please contact Jayne Woodhead 07795 825106, mail her at: jayne.woodhead@cht.nhs.uk or look on the Trust intranet – see clinical tools OPAT.