Abstract:
Objective: To report a pilot project of expert nurses for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) follow-up.
Methods: Three nurses with specific training on antibiotics started a state-funded programme including: i) consultations for OPAT follow-up; ii) hotline for satellite hospitals; iii) peer training. Patients’ data were prospectively collected. A representative sample of patients and physicians was interviewed to learn about their opinion on the project.
Results: From December 2020 to December 2021, 118 patients (median age 66.5 years [52-75], male-to-female ratio 2.5) were enrolled, for a total of 621 consultations. Patients were mostly on OPAT for bone and joint infections (n=76, 64%) and cardiovascular infections (n=16, 14%), for a median duration of 29 days [22-57]. Eleven patients (9%) required unplanned hospital admissions, and three experienced treatment failure. Most patients (21/22) and physicians in charge (10/10) reported a high level of satisfaction.
Conclusions: Nurses may be important actors for OPAT follow-up.
Reference:Rolland L, Mainguy A, Boissier S, Ki Zerbo M, Tardivel A, Sébillotte M, Cailleaux M, Patrat-Delon S, Revest M, Tattevin P. A pilot project of expert nurses for the follow-up of complex intravenous antimicrobial treatment. Infect Dis Now. 2023 Feb 1:104670. doi: 10.1016/j.idnow.2023.104670. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36736828.