Malaysia introduces outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), in Malaysia, has introduced its Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service, offering an innovative treatment option that enhances patient care.

According to guidelines issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, OPAT is defined as a service that enables patients who are stable and suitable for discharge from hospital, but who require continued intravenous antimicrobial therapy, to be allowed to continue their treatment as outpatients. This ensures they receive high-quality care without the need for prolonged hospital stays.

PHKL started building its OPAT services in 2023, refining the setup and processes of its operations in adherence to ministerial guidelines, with emphasis on the importance of a clear diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

To determine eligibility, patients are also evaluated based on their hemodynamic stability, willingness to return daily for treatment, and proximity of stay. Treatment involves the insertion of a central catheter, ensuring a safer way of administering antibiotics and reducing the risk of thrombophlebitis.