Prescribing antibiotics in home health care: problems and prospects.

The elderly represent an increasing percentage of the population, and an important group of users of intravenous antibiotics. Therapy at home can provide a cost-effective means of treating many infectious diseases. Special problems to be anticipated include those related to reimbursement, possibility of adverse drug interactions, non-compliance, and need for venous access. Choice of antimicrobial agent is dependent upon ease of administration, safety, efficacy, and cost. Careful patient selection, availability of appropriate home health care services, and diligent physician follow-up can allow many elderly patients to receive long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy outside the hospital.