Intravenous antibiotic therapy at home

Abstract

Many patients who are hospitalized for intensive i.v. antibiotic therapy of serious infections are not disabled. Following a short period of treatment in the hospital and after their medical problem was stabilized, these patients can safely receive i.v. antibiotics at home. Patients who had osteomyelitis or infective endocarditis were selected for this study. Utilizing an i.v. nurse team, patients were instructed in the administration of the antibiotic. They returned to the hospital every 48 h to have their i.v. catheter changed and to receive a new supply of antibiotic. There was a substantial monetary saving with each treatment course (at least 1600/patient), and, in addition, the patients were much more comfortable at home and some returned to work or to school.