[New developments in outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT)].

Long term intravenous antibiotic therapy is required for the treatment of selected infections. Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) allows patients who require intravenous treatment to be treated outside of the hospital with equal efficacy and safety as in-hospital; prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy is required for the treatment of selected infections. OPAT is particularly beneficial for patients. Staying at home and resuming everyday life lead to significantly higher patient satisfaction and quality of life. Furthermore, the risk of nosocomial infections can be reduced, especially through multi-resistant pathogens. Outpatient prescriptions shorten the inpatient length of stay and costs can be saved. Additionally the reception capacities of hospitals will be increased.