Name of the Procedure:

Home Infusion Therapy
Antibiotic, Antiviral, or Antifungal Therapy; 24-Hour Administration
Technical Term: S9500

Summary

Home infusion therapy is a medical procedure that allows patients to receive continuous intravenous (IV) administration of medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals in the comfort of their own homes. This 24-hour service includes administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and all necessary supplies and equipment. The actual medication and nursing visits are billed separately.

Purpose

This procedure is used to treat bacterial, viral, or fungal infections requiring long-term IV therapy. The goals are to efficiently manage infections, reduce hospital stays, and improve patient comfort and convenience by providing treatment at home.

Indications

• Severe infections requiring long-term IV therapy
• Patients who are stable enough to be treated outside the hospital
• Patients needing IV administration of medications such as antibiotics for conditions like osteomyelitis, endocarditis, or complicated skin infections
• Those who prefer or require home-based care for convenience or personal reasons

Preparation

• Patients may need a central venous catheter or a similar IV access device.
• Blood tests and other diagnostic assessments might be required to monitor the infection and overall health.
• Instruction on how to care for the IV site and use infusion equipment will be provided.
• Patients typically do not need to fast or adjust their medication unless specifically instructed by their healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. IV Access: Placement of a central venous catheter (e.g., PICC line) to allow for repeated IV infusions.
2. Medication Administration: A healthcare professional will prepare the medication according to doctor’s orders.
3. Infusion Setup: The patient or a caregiver will be instructed on how to set up the infusion pump and connect it to the IV line.
4. Continuous Monitoring: The infusion pump administers the medication over a set period, typically 24 hours.
5. Support and Coordination: Ongoing professional pharmacy services, care coordination, and support throughout the therapy duration.

Tools and Equipment:

• Infusion pump
• IV catheter (e.g., PICC line)
• Medication and diluents
• Sterile dressings and supplies

Duration

This therapy runs continuously for 24 hours and can extend over several days or weeks, depending on the treatment plan.

Setting

Home-based, allowing flexible and convenient treatment for patients.

Personnel

• Licensed pharmacists who prepare and review medication
• Nurses who provide initial setup, education, and monitoring
• Physicians who oversee the treatment plan and monitor patient progress

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the catheter site
• Catheter occlusion or leakage
• Allergic reaction to the medication
• Infusion-related complications such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein)
• Management typically involves close monitoring, immediate response to symptoms, and regular dressing changes

Benefits

• Convenience and comfort of receiving treatment at home
• Reduced need for hospital stays
• Greater flexibility and potential improvement in the quality of life

Recovery

• Follow-up appointments as directed by healthcare providers
• Daily or regular checks of the infusion site and overall health
• Adherence to care instructions, including catheter site maintenance
• Recovery depends on the underlying condition and response to treatment

Alternatives

• Inpatient IV therapy: Staying at a hospital for the duration of treatment
• Outpatient IV therapy: Visiting a healthcare facility regularly for infusions
• Oral or alternative non-IV medications if clinically appropriate

Pros and Cons:

• Inpatient Care: Highly monitored but may be inconvenient and restrictive.
• Outpatient Care: Similar medical oversight but requires frequent trips to a healthcare facility.
• Oral Medications: Less invasive but may not be as effective for certain infections.

Patient Experience

Patients might feel initial discomfort from catheter insertion but generally experience increased comfort and convenience with at-home treatment. Pain management, regular monitoring, and support are provided to ensure comfort throughout the therapy.