Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy in different countries

Abstract

Home and outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy offers potential cost savings as well as improved quality of care in many countries. This form of therapy has been successful in countries with adequate resources for health care, but the potential benefits in other countries should also be considered. Parenteral therapy can be provided by a visiting nurse, at an infusion center, or through self-administration models, depending upon patient need, resources available, and the experience of the medical team. There are, however, a number of factors to consider in establishing or developing an outpatient infusion therapy program. A dedicated team of health care workers with knowledge of parenteral therapy and with access to medications and devices for vascular access and infusion is essential. Other considerations include the local geography, home environment, knowledge of medicine, and cultural attitudes. Financial and political problems are often limiting factors. The concepts involved in managed care continue to expand outpatient and home therapy in the United States and will likely bring change to other countries as well.