Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) is a complex medical treatment used to treat patients with severe infections. OPAT is provisioned outside hospitals. There is wide variation in the use and organization of OPAT in Denmark. OPAT is increasingly used in Danish regions and municipalities, however, there is limited knowledge on the clinical, economic and organizational consequences of this technology. The purpose of the project was to establish an evidence base for decision-making prior to any further prioritization of OPAT as an alternative to intravenous antibiotic treatment in the hospital (IPAT). The HTA was produced at the request of the Health Directors in the Danish Regions to examine the consequences of using OPAT compared with IPAT.

The results were based on a systematic literature review and qualitative interviews with leaders (n=5), administrative employees (n=5) and health professionals (n=13) involved in the delivery of OPAT. Furthermore, a micro-costing analysis based on interviews with clinical experts was conducted.

The use of OPAT led to similar or better clinical results when compared with the use of IPAT. Current evidence supports OPAT as a safe model for intravenous antibiotic treatment. The organization of OPAT varied in Denmark as well as internationally. The selection of suitable patients for the different OPAT models was crucial for a successful treatment. Insight into patients’ understanding of the pros and cons of the technology indicated that most patients preferred treatment at home. In a Danish context the microeconomic analysis showed that different OPAT models generally led to a reduction in costs compared with IPAT.

The project contributes to practice and political decision making by identifying challenges and opportunities associated with OPAT. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of OPAT model must be based on careful clinical considerations. Coordination and communication across municipalities and hospitals is challenging. Reducing organizational complexity is necessary to achieve a more standardized practice.