Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) using a continuous ambulatory delivery device (CADD) allowing treatment with multiple daily doses: a brief report of a Norwegian experience

Abstract

Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is safe, effective and increasingly available. While OPAT in Norwegian healthcare has been rare, a new continuous ambulatory delivery device (CADD) allowing multiple daily dosing treatments has been innovated making OPAT more accessible. Objectives To describe the clinical outcome and safety using CADD in an OPAT setting. Methods Adult patients in need of parenteral antibiotic treatment were offered OPAT and discharged with a programmable digital infusion pump allowing multiple daily dosings. Results Altogether, 170 patients were included in the study, among which 21% of all patients (36 of 170) were readmitted to hospital while receiving OPAT or within 30 days after end of intravenous antibiotics. None of the 170 patients died due to OPAT and allergies were not noticeable as a problem. Conclusions We have developed a safe and clinically effective programme offering OPAT in accordance with Norwegian antibiotic treatment guidelines.