IV Abx

The evolution of home IV antibiotic therapy has included increased support with newer, longer acting antibiotics while still considering cost containment. Safe and effective antibiotic therapies have been administered in the home setting for many years. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common reasons for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). This course will overview SSTIs, treatments, and special considerations in high-risk patients in the home care setting.

The purpose of setting learning objectives at the beginning of the course are to set the framework and goals for the information that will be covered in the next hour.

Once the course is completed you should be able to:

1. List three types of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) that may be treated with home intravenous antibiotics.

2. Discuss the effectiveness of three antibiotics used in home therapy for soft tissue infections.

3. Describe one special consideration for the treatment of diabetic patients with intravenous antibiotics.

At the end of the course is a Resources Section that includes links to additional information and other types of resources that may be helpful to you in working with IV antibiotics and SSTIs. Let's begin with some background information.