Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT), or the administration of intravenous antibiotics (IV antibiotics) and other antimicrobials, is a medical intervention used to treat serious infections by delivering medication through the bloodstream. Here, we focus on bacterial infections treated by IV antibiotics. IV antibiotics are recommended when there are no appropriate oral alternatives, or when the IV version is better able to reach and treat the infection.
People experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of developing conditions requiring treatment with IV antibiotics, such as endocarditis or osteomyelitis. Historically, many people who use drugs and/or are experiencing homelessness are not offered outpatient IV antibiotic treatment options, often due to concerns about instability and safety.
Medical respite care is a promising and effective approach to support people experiencing homelessness who are receiving IV antibiotics, often referred to under the umbrella of OPAT. Several studies have demonstrated that outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy can be successful in a supervised medical respite setting, including for people with remote or current substance use.
