Facilitating OPAT in rural areas

Ther Adv Infect Dis. 2023 Nov 8:10:20499361231210353. doi: 10.1177/20499361231210353. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

A sizable portion of the United States' population lives in a rural setting. Coupled with a limited number of infectious diseases providers, this has created a need for innovative practice models to deliver outpatient antimicrobial therapy and clinical monitoring in rural settings. This article reviews existing literature regarding outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in rural settings and explores existing barriers and potential solutions that may be of assistance to providers looking to provide these services.

Keywords: OPAT; infectious diseases; rural health.

Publication types

  • Review