Intravenous antibiotic therapy in an outpatient setting
D. M. Poretz, L. J. Eron, R. I. Goldenberg, A. F. Gilbert, J. Rising, S. Sparks and C. E. Horn
A program has been developed for the outpatient administration of
parenteral antibiotics. To date, more than 150 patients with osteomyelitis,
septic arthritis, pyelonephritis, endocarditis, and other infections have
been treated. Antibiotic solutions were prepared in the hospital pharmacy
and given to the patient to be kept refrigerated at home until used.
Patients administered their own antibiotics by means of a heparin lock,
which was replaced every four days or when necessary. Complications were
infrequent. Many patients were able to return to work while receiving
therapy; others enjoyed the comfort of being at home. Cost reductions were
substantial, calculated to be at least $142 a day, or the charge for a
semiprivate room in 1981. In addition to the cost savings, critically
needed hospital beds were freed for more acutely ill patients.
