Home IV Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT)

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) allows patients to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments outside of the hospital, typically at home or in an outpatient clinic. This service is designed for patients who need prolonged IV antibiotics but are otherwise medically stable and do not require inpatient care.

Benefits of OPAT

• Convenience – Patients can continue treatment at home, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays.
• Improved quality of life – Patients can maintain their daily routines with minimal disruption.
• Reduced hospital-acquired infection risk – Avoids exposure to infections that may occur in hospital settings.

Eligibility for OPAT

Patients may be suitable for OPAT if they:

• Require extended IV antibiotic therapy
• Are clinically stable and do not require continuous hospital monitoring
• Have a safe home environment or access to the OPAT clinic
• Can self-administer IV antibiotics or have a caregiver who can assist

OPAT Service Components

• Initial assessment – A healthcare provider evaluates eligibility and develops a treatment plan.
• Home infusion therapy – Patients receive IV antibiotics at home, either independently or with caregiver support.
• Outpatient clinic infusions – For patients requiring medical supervision, IV antibiotics are administered in an outpatient setting.
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up – Regular assessments ensure the treatment is effective and any side effects are managed.
• Education and support – Patients and caregivers receive training on IV administration, catheter care and recognising potential complications.
• Safety and efficacy – OPAT services follow strict protocols, including routine blood tests and clinical reviews, to ensure the best outcomes.

For more information, please speak with your OPAT nurse.

Referrals

Referrals to OPAT are made by the hospital’s inpatient care teams.

When to contact the OPAT Team

If you are receiving home IV antibiotics, contact the OPAT team if you experience:

• Diarrhoea more than three times in 24 hours
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Rash or itching
• Chills or night sweats
• Fever above 38.3°C
• Redness, swelling or drainage at the catheter site
• Confusion or changes in personality
• Problems with your IV catheter

In some cases, support can be provided over the phone or through a home health nurse. If symptoms are severe, you may need to go to the Emergency Department.

Patient education video

Access the video here: Patient Education Video