Impact of mandatory inpatient infectious disease consultation on outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy

BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) has had an important impact on infections historically requiring prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment. Within the past decade, new antibiotics with oral/intravenous bioequivalence, plus recent data on infection management, have increased the potential role of the Infectious Disease (ID) consultant for OPAT. METHODS: We studied the impact of mandatory ID consultation on the use and outcomes of OPAT in patients initially hospitalized. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff of Baystate Medical Center. Patients older than 18 years of age being considered for discharge to home on OPAT were identified, primarily through discharge planning. Formal ID consultation was performed to determine both need for OPAT and a variety of issues regarding antibiotic choice. Thirty-day telephone follow-up determined outcomes. Data regarding demographics, outcomes, and costs were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-four patients received mandatory ID consultation, 39 (88.6%) of whom had some change in antibiotic recommendations. Seventeen (38.6%) were discharged on oral antibiotics, 1 (2.3%) had antibiotics discontinued, 13 (29.6%) had a change in parenteral antibiotic, 5 (11.4%) had a change in antibiotic dose, and 3 (6.8%) had a change in antibiotic duration. Follow-up demonstrated a single rehospitalization for unrelated issues. The total cost savings were 33,667.00 US dollars, approximately 760.00 US dollars per patient. Charges of consults were approximately 11,970.00 US dollars, still resulting in savings of close to 21,700.00 US dollars, or almost 500.00 US dollars per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Mandatory ID consultation resulted in substantial cost savings and excellent outcomes.