OPTIONS-DC: Treatment Course Outcomes Following Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy RN–Led Multidisciplinary Care Conferences for People Who Use Drugs Hospitalized With Complex Infections - Scorecard - MDSpire

OPTIONS-DC: Treatment Course Outcomes Following Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy RN–Led Multidisciplinary Care Conferences for People Who Use Drugs Hospitalized With Complex Infections

  • By

  • Alyse H Douglass

  • Heather Mayer

  • Kathleen Young

  • Amber C Streifel

  • Heather Franklin

  • Jina T Makadia

  • Liz Parkes-Perret

  • Luke C Strnad

  • Monica K Sikka

  • February 28, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: OPTIONS-DC: Evaluating Treatment Outcomes After RN-Led Multidisciplinary Conferences for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy in Hospitalized Individuals with Complex Infections Who Use Drugs

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionComplex infections requiring long-term intravenous antimicrobials in people who use drugs (PWUD)
Key MechanismsRN-led multidisciplinary care conferences (OPTIONS-DC) incorporating harm reduction, ethical principles, and patient preferences to guide treatment and discharge planning
Target PopulationHospitalized individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and complex infections recommended for ≥10 days of IV antimicrobials
Care SettingHospital inpatient and outpatient settings, including outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)

Key Highlights

  • OPTIONS-DC is a standardized, RN-led multidisciplinary conference developed to improve discharge planning and treatment outcomes for PWUD with serious infections.
  • High antimicrobial course completion rate (75.1%) observed, with substantial out-of-hospital treatment completion and average 28.7 days of outpatient antimicrobial therapy.
  • Having a primary care provider at the time of conference significantly increased odds of treatment completion (OR 4.50).

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Identify patients with substance use history requiring ≥10 days of IV antimicrobials for serious infections.

Management

  • Utilize multidisciplinary OPTIONS-DC conferences led by OPAT registered nurses to guide treatment and discharge planning.
  • Incorporate harm reduction principles and patient preferences into treatment decisions.
  • Consider socioeconomic factors such as housing stability, transportation, and communication access when planning OPAT.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Track antimicrobial course completion rates and out-of-hospital antimicrobial days.
  • Monitor for complications related to central line use, especially in patients with ongoing substance use.

Risks

  • Recognize stigma and discrimination as barriers to care and discharge planning.
  • Address risks of central line–associated bloodstream infections in patients who continue injection drug use.
  • Consider broader socioeconomic challenges beyond substance use that impact OPAT safety and adherence.

Patient & Prescribing Data

202 unique hospitalized patients with active substance use and complex infections

75.1% completed antimicrobial courses; 53.5% completed treatment outpatient; median antimicrobial duration 6 weeks; presence of primary care provider improved completion odds.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Lead discharge planning conferences with OPAT registered nurses to coordinate multidisciplinary input.
  • Embed harm reduction strategies and respect patient autonomy in treatment planning.
  • Engage primary care providers early to support treatment adherence and completion.
  • Address stigma proactively to improve patient trust and engagement.
  • Assess and mitigate socioeconomic barriers such as housing instability and transportation to facilitate safe OPAT.

References

Original Source(s)

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