One area of increased focus for antimicrobial stewardship is outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)” Krah and Hersh (2019).
Abstract:
In an effort to combat antimicrobial overuse and resistance and improve patient outcomes, many paediatric hospitals have implemented antimicrobial stewardship programmes. The primary goal of these programmes is to ensure delivery of the appropriate antimicrobial at the right dose, via the preferred route, for the proper duration, at the right cost, and in the right environment. One area of increased focus for antimicrobial stewardship is outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). OPAT is the administration of intravenous antimicrobials, often through a peripherally inserted central catheter, in the home environment. Compared with hospitalisation, OPAT reduces health-care costs and increases patient and caregiver satisfaction by accelerating return home.
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Reference:
Krah, N.M. and Hersh, A.L. (2019) OPAT for avoidance of hospitalisation in children. The Lancet. Infectious Diseases. March 7th. [epub ahead of print].
doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30043-X.