Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT)

The OPAT service can provide IV antimicrobial therapy on an outpatient basis or at home for patients who require short or long-term IV therapy and who are otherwise suitable for home treatment. Patients may be considered from throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Infections commonly managed via OPAT are shown below but any infections may be discussed and considered.

Skin and soft tissue infection

Includes: cellulitis / wound infections / bursitis / infected bites / facial erysipelas. May be referred from emergency department or ward.

Other complex infections

Usually inpatients are referred in conjunction with microbiology advice. Up to date U&Es, LFTs, FBC, CRP and microbiology results are required for all referrals:

  • Bone and joint infections including: osteomyelitis, discitis, diabetic foot infections and prosthetic joint infections.
  • Infective endocarditis
  • Meningitis

The specialist team will assess patient suitability for OPAT and will agree a treatment regimen. Contact Medical Day Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and for complex referrals, phone and email (opat@ggc.scot.nhs.uk) the referral (see Appendix 6 for contact details).

Last reviewed February 2018




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