What criteria is essential for an effective OPAT program?
The criteria essential for an effective OPAT program includes a reliable support system at home and easy access to a hospital for prompt re-evaluation by an experienced clinician if a complication such as recurrence of fever, symptoms of a cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, or a neurological event develops; regular visits by a home infusion nurse who carefully monitors the patient for early detection of complications, failure to respond to therapy, problems with adherence to therapy, or complications (eg, catheter-related infection, catheter leakage or displacement, venous thrombosis) directly related to the antibiotics or intravenous access; and regular visits with an experienced clinician to assess clinical status during the OPAT. 