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Ensuring Safe and Effective Delivery of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy for Veterans

Summary

Every day, Veterans across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are discharged home with vascular access devices for delivery of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Although OPAT is a vital part of Veteran care, we know very little about how it is managed or the challenges Veterans and their caregivers experience. Because adverse events are possible, this information is critical to identify gaps in care and develop strategies for Veterans to receive safe, effective therapy. This study engages Veterans, caregivers and clinical care providers using multiple methods including semi-structured interviews, surveys, video reflexive ethnography, and photo elicitation to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges encountered related to the delivery and administration of at-home OPAT. We will also engage these stakeholders in a collaborative co-design process to develop interventions for improving OPAT care and management at home. Importantly, this work will inform OPAT related policy and practice within VHA.