In many situations when a patient needs long term parenteral antibiotic therapy, the antibiotic can be given as an outpatient, usually in the home. This is less expensive than prolonged inpatient therapy, and is frequently preferred by the patient and family. Patients should be treated as outpatients only if they meet certain criteria.
Appropriate infections:
(1) the diagnosis well-defined with predictable prognosis
(2) the infection is stabilized and nonprogressive
(3) there is no indication for immediate surgery
(4) the therapy is with a safe antibiotic that can be dosed conveniently and that uses a regimen that is not overly complicated
(5) conditions include: abscess, cellulitis, endocarditis, Lyme disease, meningitis, osteomyelitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pneumonia, postoperative wound infections, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis, skin and soft tissue infection, CMV retinitis or other HIV-associated infections
Medical condition of patient:
(1) afebrile with stable vital signs
(2) other medical conditions stable
(3) the patient is not incapacitated by pain, immobility, cardiopulmonary disease or other condition
(4) other treatments are manageable outside of the hospital
(5) suitable for outpatient parenteral care based on the judgment of an experienced physician
(6) reliable venous access is available
Patient and/or caregiver(s):
(1) are willing
(2) are compliant
(3) have sufficient mental acuity
(4) possess visual and auditory acuity
(5) have sufficient manual dexterity and strength
(6) have the psychosocial resources needed
(7) do not misuse drugs or alcohol
(8) live in an environment conducive to the therapy over the time period required
(9) have access to a telephone and means of transportation
(10) have access to health care resources if problems arise
(11) if alone, has a support system sufficient for needs of the program
