What is OPAT?
Antibiotics are medicines active against bugs or germs that can cause a significant infection. They can be given orally (by mouth) or injected into a vein – this is called intravenous (IV) or parenteral therapy. IV/parenteral antibiotics are usually given to patients in hospital but they can be given safely in an outpatient clinic or at home. When given in a clinic or at home, this is called OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy).
What are the benefits of the OPAT service?
You will be able to be at home in a comfortable and familiar setting rather than staying in the hospital. OPAT is not always the right choice for everyone but feedback from previous OPAT patients has shown that they would choose it again rather than a prolonged hospital stay. It can also allow you to maintain your independence, be back with your family and friends or even return to work.
All costs are agreed in advance and most major insurers are very happy to pay for this treatment. These details will be discussed with you before treatment commences.
What is involved?
OPAT at TDC is a very carefully planned and meticulous process. Before any patient begins treatment with us the experts at TDC design and plan with you, your doctors, microbiologist/infectious diseases consultants to ensure that you are receiving the very best, evidence based, expert care possible. Only after this is done may a patient commence OPAT therapy with us. Safety and efficiency of treatment is the cornerstone of our service.
How long is the treatment?
You may require only a few more days of IV treatment or several months depending on the nature of the infection. Often this may be followed by a further course of oral antibiotics.
This will be explained by your doctor and form part of your treatment plan when starting OPAT therapy.
