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Home infusion therapy, also called outpatient infusion therapy, involves administering medications through a needle or catheter. Instead of receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic, patients receive infusion therapy in the comfort of their own home. Home infusion therapy provides an alternative for patients who require ongoing intravenous treatments but do not need to stay in the hospital. It allows individuals to receive complex medical care at home while maintaining their daily routine and normal activities.
Overview of Home Infusion Therapy
Home infusion therapy is prescribed for many chronic conditions that require long-term management. Some common uses include treating infections, cancer, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. Nurses teach patients how to self-administer medications like antibiotics, antivirals, pain medications, chemotherapy drugs, and hydration solutions. They also train caregivers to assist or oversee the treatment. Regular nursing visits are scheduled to monitor the patient’s health, treatment effectiveness, and address any side effects or issues that arise.
Home infusion therapy offers several benefits over traditional hospitalization. Patients are more comfortable in their familiar home surroundings. They have greater independence and mobility during treatment. The outpatient treatment model reduces health care costs compared to prolonged hospital stays. It allows individuals to work or attend school while receiving ongoing therapy. Home infusion also minimizes disruptions to daily life and responsibilities. Friends and family can provide stronger emotional support in the home setting.
Providing Home Infusion Therapy
For patients and caregivers, home infusion therapy requires an adjustable commitment of time and effort. Nurses train on all aspects of the prescribed treatment protocol, such as how to mix medications, use pumps or administer manual injections, properly care for catheter or IV insertion sites, and recognize potential complications. They review safety procedures, medication schedules, documentation and handling waste. Refills are coordinated through a home-care pharmacy.
Most treatments are administered through a small, lightweight portable infusion pump that delivers medication at a carefully regulated rate over several hours. Some drugs require continuous 24-hour infusions using an ambulatory infusion pump. Others are given through periodic injections or pushed manually through the catheter or IV line. Monitoring health status and treatment response is critical. Patients are educated on adverse reaction signs to watch out for between nurse visits.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
