Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: its delivery in the community

Fifteen years ago, only a small minority of hospital inpatients were considered suitable for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services (Wiselka and Nicholson, 1997). Now almost 70% of those treated with intravenous antibiotics as hospital inpatients are considered suitable (Hitchcock et al, 2009). In total, 38-53% percent of those requiring OPAT are able to self-administer (Hills et al, 2012). The demand for intravenous antimicrobial therapy is increasing and the way it is being delivered is changing. This article examines service models, setting up services and developing staff to enable them to deliver OPAT services.