Exploring the advancements of Australian OPAT

Ther Adv Infect Dis. 2023 Sep 21:10:20499361231199582. doi: 10.1177/20499361231199582. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in Australia has evolved from modest beginnings to a well-established health service with proven benefits in patient outcomes. This is a comprehensive review of the current state of art Australian OPAT with vignettes of the types of OPAT models of care, antimicrobial prescribing and antimicrobial use. In addition, we highlight the similarities and differences between OPAT to other countries and describe Australian OPAT experiences with COVID-19 and paediatrics. Australian OPAT continues to advance with OPAT antifungals, novel treatment options and upcoming high-impact research.

Keywords: antibiotics; antimicrobial stewardship; antimicrobials; outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy; outpatients.

Publication types

  • Review