Outpatient Parenteral (intravenous) Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)

What is OPAT?

The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service is for people who have an infection that needs to be treated with intravenous (through a vein) antimicrobial but are well enough to stay at home. Instead of being admitted to hospital, patients come in on a daily basis to have their intravenous antimicrobial treatment and be reviewed by our specialist team. This means you can carry on with your normal routine outside of your appointments with us.

Why do I need IV antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections. Oral antibiotics (liquid or tablets) are used for many infections but for some infections, antibiotic injections into a vein (intravenous) are more appropriate.

The doctors will decide the most appropriate antibiotics for your infection and how this should be given. Intravenous antibiotics may often be started and then stepped-down to an oral treatment once the infection begins to improve. For other infections, no oral treatment exists and only intravenous therapy is needed.

What are the side effects?

It is possible you could experience side effects with antibiotics. These side effects are generally temporary and do not usually cause any great distress. Do not hesitate to call the OPAT nurses if you are worried.

How long will each infusion take?

All antibiotics are administered by a slow intravenous infusion.  This typically takes 20 to 60 minutes for each infusion. Sometimes the team may offer a slowly administered injection (5 minutes) if suitable.

How long will I need to receive treatment?

The length of treatment will be decided by your doctors following discussion with the infection specialists. Your treatment will be reviewed each week and any plans to lengthen or shorten treatment duration will be explained to you. This will be decided at your outpatient appointments if necessary, in conjunction with the OPAT Nurses and infection specialists.

How will the antibiotics be given?

If you need a special intravenous line that goes into your vein, this will be discussed with you, so that you can receive your treatment. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call a member of the OPAT service.

IV line access for treatment

A peripheral cannula (short-term use only) or a peripherally inserted central line (PICC) or a midline (for medium to long term access) will be used to administer intravenous therapies. These lines should be protected and kept clean at all times. PICC lines & midlines will be dressed and maintained at least once a week by the specialist nurses.

Possible problems with a line

• Infection: The line or the surrounding skin area can be become infected. Speak to the nurse or doctor if you have a high temperature or if there is any redness, pain or swelling around the site.
• Blood clots: A blood clot may develop in your veins. Speak to the nurse or doctor if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing or if you have a red, painful or swollen arm.
• Blocked line: The nurse may try to flush the line to clear the blockage or the line may need to be removed.

Protecting your line:

• Cover line with plastic when showering so the dressing does not get wet
• Avoid swimming, paddling and other water sports because submersion of lines may increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid rough contact sports, e.g. football & rugby.
• Avoid body building and weight training at the gym because these activities can over-tense muscles around lines making them hard to use.
• Re-schedule routine dental appointments for when your treatment is finished. Discuss dental appointment with your infection doctor if treatment is longer than 3 months.

 When can my line be removed?

Your line will be removed when there is no longer a need for it. Your nurse will remove the lin. The line comes out easily, creating an exit site which will be dressed. The dressing can be removed after 24 hours.  

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have concerns or wish to give feedback about services, your care or treatment, you can contact the PALS office on the Ground Floor of the hospital just behind the main reception.

Alternatively, you can send us your comments or suggestions on one of our comment cards, available at the PALS office, or on a feedback form on our website www.chelwest.nhs.uk/pals.

We value your opinion and invite you to provide us with feedback.

T: 020 3315 6727
E: chelwest.cwpals@nhs.net

Contact Information

The OPAT / IV therapy team are available 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have.  Please do not hesitate to contact us as follows:

OPAT Team (Chelsea site):

• Mon-Fri: 8.30am – 7pm
• Saturday: 8:30am – 5pm
• Sundays and Bank Holidays: 9am- 4pm
• Tel: 020 3315 5138

OPAT Team (West Mid site):

• Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
• Saturday: 11am-2pm
• Sundays and Bank Holidays: 11am-2pm
• Tel: 020 8321 5966 

Outside of these hours:

Please contact your GP surgery. They will guide you to the out of hours on-call telephone number for emergencies or call your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department