Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)

The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) program provides coordinated care for patients who need ongoing treatment for complex infections after leaving the hospital.

What Is OPAT?

Some infections require a longer course of antimicrobial treatment. OPAT allows you to continue receiving treatment outside the hospital while staying connected with your infectious disease care team.

Many patients enter the OPAT program after receiving care from the infectious disease team during a hospital stay. The OPAT team helps coordinate your transition from the hospital and supports you throughout your treatment.

Your IV Treatment at Home

Recovering at home is an important part of getting well. If you need IV antibiotic treatment after leaving the hospital, our team will help you prepare for treatment at home and support you along the way.

Before you leave the hospital, we will teach you how to:

  • Give yourself your antibiotic treatment
  • Care for your IV line
  • Keep your IV supplies and treatment area clean and sanitary

Our infectious disease physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and staff also work with your home health team and infusion pharmacy to help make sure your treatment stays on track.

How we'll support you

During your treatment, we will:

  • Schedule your follow-up appointments with the infectious disease clinic
  • Work with your home health team to arrange lab work
  • Communicate with your infusion pharmacy about your medication
  • Review your lab results and check on your progress each week
  • Stay in contact with your pharmacy and home health team to help keep your treatment on track

An infectious disease clinician will follow up with you through a telemedicine or in-person clinic visit to answer your questions and monitor your progress.

What you need to know during treatment

Please take your antibiotic treatment exactly as prescribed and come to all follow-up appointments with your infectious disease team.

When to call us

Call the infectious disease clinic if:

  • You have trouble with your IV line
  • You cannot flush your IV line
  • You develop a red, rash-like area or another reaction after your antibiotic treatment

When to get emergency care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

  • Swelling of your face or lips
  • Trouble breathing
  • Bloody stools
  • Another medical emergency

Questions?

If you have questions about your IV treatment or need help during your treatment, contact the OPAT Stewardship Program.

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Stewardship Program
2001 Crystal Spring Ave., Suite 301
Roanoke, VA 24014

Phone: 540-981-7715