Impact of expanding a paediatric OPAT programme with an antimicrobial stewardship intervention

Abstract

Background As treatment out of hospital with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) increases, so too does the risk for patients of being less visible, with potential for suboptimal care. Objectives We aimed to compare pre-expansion and post-expansion (1) successful completion, complications and (2) the impact of an OPAT-specific antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) intervention to mitigate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Design A prospective longitudinal study during two consecutive 12-month periods: period A (1 August 2012 to 31 July 2013) and period B (1 August 2013 to 31 July 2014). Setting The Hospital-in-the-Home (HITH) programme at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne...