Pantai Hospital enhances patient care with OPAT service

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has officially introduced its Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service, revolutionising patient care with a safe, effective, and cost-efficient outpatient treatment option.

This new service underscores Pantai Hospital’s commitment to delivering innovative healthcare solutions that cater to the needs of its patients.

Innovative care with OPAT at Pantai Hospital

Pantai Hospital’s OPAT service is designed to provide patients with continued intravenous antimicrobial therapy without requiring prolonged hospital stays.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s guidelines, OPAT is intended for patients who are stable and eligible for discharge but still need ongoing treatment.

By enabling patients to receive this care as outpatients, Pantai Hospital not only enhances patient comfort but also reduces the risks associated with extended hospitalisation.

Dr Anusha Shunmugarajoo, Infectious Diseases Consultant at PHKL, highlights the benefits of the service.

“Since its inception, our OPAT service has led to positive outcomes in reducing hospital stays, minimising healthcare costs, and lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Our patients receive the same high-quality care they would in a hospital, but with the added convenience of returning home each day.”

Streamlined treatment and reduced costs

The OPAT service at Pantai Hospital is particularly advantageous for patients requiring long-term antimicrobial therapy.

Once a patient is deemed eligible based on factors such as hemodynamic stability and proximity to the hospital, they are placed under the care of Dr Anusha and her team.

Treatment involves the insertion of a central catheter, allowing for safer administration of antibiotics and reducing the risk of complications like thrombophlebitis.

With the implementation of OPAT, the median hospital stay for similar cases has decreased from 18 days to just five.

This reduction in hospitalisation not only benefits patients by allowing them to resume normal activities sooner but also leads to significant cost savings—up to 15% depending on the type of antibiotics and any necessary isolation measures.

Low re-infection rates have also been observed, thanks to tailored therapy and the consistent, timely administration of medication.

Pantai Hospital’s OPAT service is a key component of its antimicrobial stewardship programme, which promotes responsible prescription and administration of antimicrobials based on evidence-based guidelines.

This initiative aligns with the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance, ensuring that antibiotics are used judiciously and effectively.

“Our OPAT service is not just about improving patient care,” adds Dr Anusha. “It’s also about contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.

By reducing the need for extended hospital stays, we’re lowering our carbon footprint and healthcare costs, all while maintaining the highest standards of care.”

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge medical services that prioritise patient outcomes and sustainability.

The introduction of the OPAT service represents a significant advancement in outpatient care, offering patients a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to traditional hospital-based therapy.

Learn more at www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.