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What if you could receive the IV antibiotic treatment you need without making daily trips to a hospital or infusion center?

For many eligible patients, receiving IV antibiotics at home allows them to continue their prescribed therapy in a familiar, comfortable setting while remaining connected to their healthcare team. With appropriate physician oversight, professional nursing support, medication monitoring, and IV or PICC line care, home-based therapy can help patients manage a prolonged treatment plan.

But how does home IV antibiotic therapy work? Is it safe? What should patients and families watch for?

For carefully selected, clinically stable patients who do not require ongoing inpatient care, intravenous antibiotics can sometimes be administered at home. Depending on the patient’s condition and treatment plan, home IV antibiotics may be prescribed for certain lung, bone, bloodstream, or other serious infections.

Although these infections may require prolonged IV treatment, some patients may be well enough to continue therapy through coordinated post-discharge care at home. Treatment may become more manageable when the patient or a family caregiver receives appropriate education and professional support.

Many hospitals and healthcare teams arrange home IV antibiotic services so eligible patients can safely complete their prescribed treatment after discharge. This approach may help reduce the financial burden associated with a prolonged hospital stay (Pacheco et al., 2022). Patients may also prefer home treatment because it allows them to remain close to family, enjoy a familiar environment, and continue appropriate daily activities such as working or studying.

What Patients and Families Should Know

First, treatment may be administered through a peripheral IV, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), or another vascular access device. The appropriate device depends on the medication, anticipated treatment duration, and the patient’s clinical needs. Patients and caregivers should follow their clinical team’s instructions and applicable CDC recommendations for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections.

For help arranging the nursing component of prescribed treatment, explore our IV infusion nursing services.

Second, a registered nurse may assess the patient and IV access, explain the treatment process, and provide patient or caregiver education. Depending on the care plan, private duty nursing can provide additional clinical monitoring, medication support, and communication with the prescribing team.

Patients and families should understand the treatment schedule, medication instructions, follow-up appointments, emergency contacts, and who is responsible for supplies and line care. Medicare’s discharge planning checklist may also help families prepare questions before the patient leaves the hospital.

Third, patients and caregivers should monitor for possible medication reactions, unexpected symptoms, equipment problems, and changes around the IV site. Warning signs may include:

  • Increasing pain, burning, redness, warmth, or swelling around the IV site

  • Leaking, drainage, bleeding, or a wet or loose dressing

  • Fever or chills

  • Rash, itching, hives, or facial swelling

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting

  • A damaged, displaced, or blocked catheter

  • Repeated pump alarms or an infusion that is not running as expected

Infographic showing how home IV antibiotic therapy works with four steps covering evaluation and education, treatment at home, ongoing support and monitoring, and follow-up and completion, plus a checklist of warning signs that require contacting the clinical team

Families can learn more about IV infusion warning signs and when to contact a nurse.

Finally, patients and caregivers should contact the clinical team promptly if concerning symptoms develop or if they experience problems with the medication, infusion equipment, or IV access. Severe trouble breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, chest pain, fainting, or other signs of a medical emergency require immediate emergency assistance.

Bringing IV Antibiotic Care Home

Home IV antibiotic therapy can help eligible patients complete their prescribed treatment while recovering at home. With proper healthcare provider oversight, professional nursing support, medication monitoring, correct IV or PICC line care, and patient and caregiver education, home-based treatment can provide safe and effective care.

Strong care coordination can also help keep prescribing physicians, infusion pharmacies, nurses, patients, and family caregivers working from the same treatment plan.

Patients and caregivers should follow their individualized instructions and promptly report troublesome symptoms, medication reactions, or IV access concerns to their healthcare team.

“Talk with your healthcare provider or contact our home care team to learn whether home IV antibiotic therapy may be appropriate for you or your loved one.”

Reference

Pacheco, R. L., Latorraca, C. D. O. C., Dos Santos, A. P. P., Martimbianco, A. L. C., Moreira, R. D. F. C., Logullo, P., & Riera, R. (2022). Efficacy and safety of home-based intravenous antibiotic therapy among adults: A systematic review. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 59(4), 106555.

Related reading: IV Antibiotics at Home: What Patients and Families Should Expect

Arranging prescribed IV therapy at home?

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Educational notice: This material is for general information only. It does not replace medical advice, a diagnosis, a physician’s order, or emergency care.