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What is Home Infusion Therapy?
Home infusion therapy, also known as home intravenous (IV) therapy, involves administering medication through a needle or catheter. This is usually done in a vein, but sometimes medication can be given through other routes such as subcutaneous infusions or injections. The medication is delivered through a small, flexible tube called an intravenous catheter. The catheter is connected to a delivery device like an intravenous bag or pump. This allows patients to receive medical treatment and care in the comfort of their own home as opposed to staying in a hospital.
Types of Treatment Provided Through Home Infusion Therapy
There are various medical conditions that can be treated using home infusion therapy. Some common treatments provided through this method include:
Antibiotic Therapy – Certain infections require antibiotics to be delivered directly into the bloodstream. This can be done effectively at home through IV lines.
Pain Management – For patients dealing with acute or chronic pain, powerful painkillers are sometimes needed. Infusing these medications intravenously at home provides reliable pain relief.
Chemotherapy – Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer are given through an IV line on a schedule. This allows patients to receive treatment at home rather than staying overnight at a hospital or clinic.
Hydration Therapy – Patients who are unable to consume enough fluids orally due to nausea, vomiting or other issues can be kept well-hydrated via IV infusions at home.
Immune Therapy – Conditions affecting the immune system like Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis are sometimes treated with immune-modulating medications administered via home infusion pumps.
Benefits of Home Infusion Therapy
There are numerous advantages for patients who receive infusion treatment in the comfort of their home rather than staying in a hospital:
Convenience – Patients don’t have to travel to and from medical facilities for each treatment session. Therapies can be administered on a schedule that works with their daily routine.
Comfort – Being in familiar home surroundings allows patients to relax and rest easier during treatments. This promotes faster recovery.
Independence – Many people prefer to maintain their independence by receiving care at home rather than staying longer than needed in a hospital.
Cost Savings – Home infusion therapy is often less expensive for both patients and healthcare systems compared to the costs associated with treatments given in hospitals or medical facilities.
Flexibility – A home setting enables things like visitors, entertainment, and preferred sleeping schedules that aren’t as easy in medical facilities. Daily activities can continue around treatment times.
Peace of Mind – Loved ones feel reassured having the patient safely at home rather than worrying about them while away at a hospital for each treatment session.
How Home Infusion Therapy Works
Here are the basic steps involved in delivering home infusion therapy:
– A doctor evaluates if a patient’s condition qualifies for home treatment and writes a prescription outlining the required therapy.
– A home infusion pharmacy prepares the prescribed medications and any supplies such as IV lines, pumps, or flush solutions needed.
– A nurse visits the home to establish IV access through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) or port-a-cath if needed.
– The nurse trains the patient or caregivers on how to care for the IV catheter site and administer medications safely using the delivery equipment.
– An infusion pump or gravity method is used to slowly administer the IV medication over time based on the prescription.
– Nurses conduct follow-up visits periodically to monitor the patient and provide any needed care or solution changes.
– Once treatment is finished, the nurse removes the catheter and discontinues home infusion services.
Who Can Benefit From Home Infusion Therapy?
In general, home infusion may be suitable for individuals who:
– Have a medical condition requiring long-term or frequent IV therapies such as antibiotics, hydration or chemotherapy.
– Are physically able to self-administer medications or have a caregiver’s assistance at home.
– Live within response time of qualified home healthcare professionals for any emergencies.
– Can commit to the self-care aspects like infection monitoring, fluid intake and pump operation.
– Prefer not to stay overnight in medical facilities when possible for treatments.
With the right prescriptions, support, safety measures and training, many patients find home infusion therapy a comfortable and convenient option for receiving important intravenous treatments.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
