Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) in Malaysia has recently launched its Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service, an innovative program designed to enhance patient care by providing intravenous antimicrobial therapy on an outpatient basis.
According to guidelines from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, OPAT is intended for patients who are stable enough to be discharged from the hospital but still require ongoing intravenous antimicrobial treatment. This approach allows patients to continue their therapy outside of the hospital, reducing the need for extended hospital stays while maintaining high-quality care.
PHKL began developing its OPAT service in 2023, focusing on refining its setup and operational processes in line with the ministry’s guidelines. The hospital emphasizes the importance of a thorough diagnosis, a well-defined treatment plan, and effective follow-up care as key components of the OPAT program.
Patient eligibility for OPAT is assessed based on several criteria, including hemodynamic stability, willingness to adhere to daily treatment schedules, and the feasibility of returning for regular sessions. The therapy involves the insertion of a central catheter, which provides a safer and more effective method for administering antibiotics while minimizing the risk of complications such as thrombophlebitis.
With this new service, PHKL aims to offer a more convenient and efficient treatment option for patients, improving their overall experience and outcomes.
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