This study reviews the current OPAT service provision in the UK and evaluates concordance with the national OPAT practice guidelines (standards of care)” Durojaiye et al (2018).
Abstract:
This study reviews the current OPAT service provision in the UK and evaluates concordance with the national OPAT practice guidelines (standards of care). We conducted a survey of acute hospital trusts and health boards in the UK regarding OPAT practices between June and September 2017. 165 (93%) of the 178 acute hospital trusts/health boards that were contacted responded to the survey. 100 (61%) indicated they had an OPAT service. Ten (10%) OPAT services did not involve an infection specialist. Bone and joint infections, and skin and soft-tissue infections were the most common conditions treated. Most OPAT services (74%) hold weekly multidisciplinary meetings/virtual ward rounds to review patient’s progress. 73% had a dedicated OPAT database. We identified variations in practice and concordance with the national OPAT good practice guidelines. In an era of increasing demand for home-based care, further studies are required to identify the optimal configuration of OPAT services with regards to quality and patient safety.
Reference:
Durojaiye, O.C., Cartwright, K. and Ntziora, F. (2018) Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the UK: a cross-sectional survey of acute hospital trusts and health boards. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. July 24th. [epub ahead of print].
doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.07.013.