At home intravenous therapy involves administering medications, nutrients, or other solutions through an intravenous (IV) line for patients outside of a hospital or clinical setting. Sometimes referred to as outpatient IV therapy, it provides a convenient way for patients to receive treatments in the comfort of their own home rather than having to go to a hospital or infusion clinic each time. Common therapies administered through home infusion include antibiotics, chemotherapy, hydration therapy, pain medication, and nutrition or hydration support.

Benefits of Home Infusion Therapy

There are several benefits to utilizing at home intravenous therapy versus strictly receiving treatments in a clinical setting. First, it improves access to care and allows patients to receive ongoing therapies without needing to schedule repeated clinic visits. This is especially important for those living in rural areas far from hospitals or for patients who have difficulty traveling. Home infusion therapy also enables people to maintain their normal daily routines and remain functional rather than being bedridden during a prolonged hospital stay. Patients often feel more comfortable and less anxious receiving treatments in the comfort of a familiar home environment too.

From a healthcare system perspective, home infusion is generally more cost-effective compared to inpatient hospitalization or repeated clinic-based outpatient visits. It reduces strain on hospitals by freeing up beds and clinic resources for more acute cases. Insurance providers also realize cost savings since the average home infusion therapy costs approximately half as much as a daily hospital treatment. Home care aims to safely shift non-emergency treatments out of high-cost facilities into lower-cost home settings whenever medically feasible.

Clinical Applications of Home Infusion

There are numerous clinical applications where home infusion therapy proves beneficial:

- Antibiotic therapy: Many patients can complete a full course of IV antibiotics, such as for cellulitis or osteomyelitis, at home rather than occupying a hospital bed. This includes long-term antibiotics sometimes needed for cystic fibrosis or immune disorders.

- Cancer care: Some chemotherapy agents, biologics, and supportive medications like antiemetics or hydration can be administered safely at home between clinic visits. This improves quality of life for immunotherapy or maintenance therapy patients.

- Pain management: IV pain medications are often utilized for chronic or postoperative pain control. Epidurals and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps can allow patients to manage acute or subacute pain at home.

- Nutritional support: For those experiencing challenges with oral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or hydration supplementation through home infusion therapy helps prevent costly hospital readmissions and maintain quality of life.

- Immune support: Patients with chronic conditions like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) or multiple sclerosis (MS) receive IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) or other antibody therapies conveniently at home.

- Organ support: Transplant recipients, cirrhosis patients, and those awaiting procedures sometimes need IV diuretics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, or other medications to bridge treatment.

The Role of Home Infusion Clinicians

For home infusion therapy to be performed safely requires oversight by clinicians experienced in IV therapies. Home infusion nurses undergo additional certification to manage infusions outside of a clinic setting. Their role involves:

- Evaluating whether a patient is stable enough medically for home treatment versus needing hospitalization
- Educating patients and caregivers on the therapy, self-care, and potential side effects
- Teaching proper infusion pump, IV catheter, and dressing care techniques
- Monitoring patients remotely via remote patient monitoring apps or periodic home visits
- Administering treatments and replacing supplies/dressings when needed
- Coordinating with physicians and coordinating emergency backup support as required
- Adhering to quality, safety, and infection control standards expected of healthcare facilities

Overall, the work of home infusion therapy clinicians helps to expand access to advanced medical therapies, increase healthcare system efficiencies, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance patient comfort and satisfaction - all hallmarks of effective, patient-centered care.