Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT)

Audience

• All NHS Highland
• Admission avoidance pathways for use by Raigmore, RGHs and Broadford, Ambulatory Care, Hospital at Home teams and OPAT team
• For information for Primary Care
• Adults only

This service provides community based intravenous antibiotic therapy, and aims to facilitate early discharge of patients from hospital and, in some cases, prevent admission.

• Patients must have a definitive diagnosis
• Patient must be medically stable, and no longer require inpatient care
• Intended medication/treatment suitable for OPAT
• Documented request for OPAT input, from referring Consultant

Patients will be assessed for suitability for OPAT,  by the OPAT nurse and Consultant.

OPAT patients will have shared care from the OPAT Consultant and the referring Consultant or GP.

Options for OPAT delivery will include:

• Self Administration
• Administration by the community nurses
• Administration at community hospitals
• Administration within the OPAT department in Raigmore hospital

Patients will reviewed and monitored by the OPAT Team on a regular basis.