Out-patient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT): Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat many types of bacterial infections. In some conditions, IV antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Out-patient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) |
| Department | IV at Home Team |
| Author(s) | Asma Bawa |
| Review Date | May 2021 |
| Next Review | May 2023 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is the Out-patient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service and why do I need this?
Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat many types of bacterial infections. In some conditions, IV antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics.
Sometimes patients require a prolonged stay in hospital to receive antibiotics which need to be given via a vein (known as parenteral or IV).
Under OPAT the same treatment can be administered safely at home. Monitoring is completed and your medical team are informed if problems occur.
How does the service work and who decides if I should go onto OPAT?
Your Consultant will discuss your treatment plan with a Consultant Microbiologist and together they will decide if you are suitable to be referred to the OPAT IV at Home service.
You will be seen by an OPAT Specialist Nurse while you are in the hospital who will assess your suitability and explain the transfer of treatment process to you. Ambulatory patients will be asked to attend AECU (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit)
Do I have to go onto the OPAT service?
You will not be discharged onto the OPAT service if you do not wish. If you choose not to go onto the OPAT service, we will discuss alternative options for your treatment.
What are the benefits of the OPAT service to me?
You will be able to be at home in comfortable familiar surroundings rather than staying in the hospital. This allows you to maintain your independence and be back with your family/friends.
OPAT is not always the right choice for everyone but feedback has shown that patients would choose it again rather than a prolonged hospital stay.
What are the risks and side-effects to me?
Allergic reactions can occur with any medicine and therefore you should seek immediate medical attention if you develop any symptoms whilst at home such as a rash, facial swelling or difficulty in breathing.
Occasionally the IV line can become blocked or an infection can develop. If there are any problems then contact the OPAT team and you will be assessed and if necessary readmitted back into hospital.
How is the antibiotic given and how long will my treatment last?
The antibiotic is given directly into your vein. There are different types of IV lines and the one chosen for your treatment will depend on your veins and how long you will need the antibiotics.
The length of the treatment will be decided by your Consultant in conjunction with a Consultant Microbiologist. Although an initial duration may be prescribed, you should be aware this may be increased or decreased if your Consultant feels you would benefit from a change in your treatment plan.
Who will give me the antibiotics and care for my line?
OPAT is provided by a team of Specialist Nurses who will coordinate your care between hospital and community or other outpatient settings.
The ASPH OPAT Service provides nurses that can visit you in your home. Another option is to come to hospital on a daily basis to be given the antibiotic in a hospital clinic. These options will be discussed with you and you will decide with the team which treatment type is best for you.
The team will ensure you leave hospital with the correct doses of the prescribed antibiotic and all you need for safe administration.
You will be given further information about the IV line used in your treatment and how to care for it by the OPAT nurse.
How will I be monitored?
All OPAT patients will have weekly blood tests to monitor their therapy.
During your time on the service you will be under the weekly remote supervision of our OPAT team. Our team is comprised of a Medical Consultant and Microbiology/Infectious Diseases Consultant as well as an Antimicrobial Pharmacist and the Lead IV OPAT Nurse.
You must also attend any outpatient appointments made by your referring Specialist, who will be asked to feed back to the OPAT Team.
Is there anything I need to do?
We ask that you provide hand washing facilities for when the nurses visit you at your home.
What to do if I feel unwell or I have a problem or concern?
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
Contact details are listed at the end of this leaflet. Complications on OPAT are rare but it is important to look after your IV line as directed. In very rare cases some patients can get problems directly related to the antibiotic they are taking.
This can occur whether you are at home or in the hospital.
Symptoms can include:
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Fever, Feeling hot / cold, High temperature
- Pain, Redness and Swelling around the IV line
| If you feel your condition is potentially life threatening call 999 |
What happens at the end of my treatment?
At the end of your treatment, your line will be safely removed and aftercare information will be provided. We will discharge you back to the care of your Consultant or GP.
We also ask if you to complete a survey to help us improve the OPAT service. ViewPoint launched in October 2020, facilitates gathering patient feedback and only takes a few minutes to complete.
You will be sent a message via SMS text after your appointment giving you the opportunity to provide feedback.
Treatment Pathway
If you are seen out of hours - please give the medical professional your record so they can assess your condition with knowledge of your history.
If you are readmitted to hospital please ensure that the OPAT Team is informed. The hospital team can access details about your treatment – your OPAT records are uploaded directly to our system called Evolve.
IV @ Home Team 01932 72 6550 (Mon-Fri 8-6pm answerphone)
You can also contact the IV at Home Nurse by calling the hospital switchboard on 01932 87 2000
Out of hours contact your GP surgery or the NHS 111 Service
For emergencies call:
Accident & Emergency St Peter’s Hospital: 01932 72 2321
Explain that you are receiving IV antibiotics at home and you may need to be seen by the Medical / Surgical / Orthopedic registrar. Bring discharge notes / booklet with you if you come to the hospital.
NHS 111
Telephone: 111
Offers medical help and advice from fully trained advisors supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. Available over the phone 24 hours a day.
NHS Website
Website: 111.nhs.uk online information and guidance.
