Management of patients with cellulitis using intravenous antibiotic therapy at home by the Community Acute Post Acute Care Service
Hunter New England Area Health Service
This project was entered in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Primary Health and Continuing Care in the Community category.
Contact: Tonia Easton
Abstract
Home-based management of cellulitis with intravenous antibiotics for selected patients has been proven to be a safe, efficacious and cost effective alternative to traditional inpatient care. Within the last 10-15 years it has been increasingly implemented in health services both in Australia and internationally and has been well accepted by clinicians and patients. It has been estimated that up to 70% of patients currently admitted to hospital for management of cellulitis can be safely managed at home under such a model. The project aimed to implement this model of care locally for patients presenting to John Hunter and Belmont Hospital Emergency Departments (ED). The Community Acute Post Acute Care Service (CAPAC) developed local guidelines in collaboration with the Emergency and Infectious Diseases Departments at John Hunter Hospital. A standard process of evidence-based guideline development was followed and implemented. In the first 4 months of the program 15 patients have been managed under the model, resulting in substitution of 90 inpatient bed days. The model has proved sustainable and will be expanded to a broader referral base and more actively promoted to maximise uptake and benefits.
The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:
Management of patients with cellulitis using intravenous antibiotic therapy (89KB)
Management of patients with cellulitis using intravenous antibiotic therapy (39KB)
