Stakeholder perspectives on the offer and acceptance of self-administration of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Self-administration of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (S-OPAT) aligns with the growing emphasis on patient and caregiver engagement in healthcare. Despite its potential benefits, S-OPAT use varies widely, suggesting that many eligible patients are not offered this option. Insight into S-OPAT decision-making is needed to improve its broader implementation and quality. The objectives of this study were to identify determinants that (i) influence healthcare professionals' (HCPs) decisions to offer S-OPAT and (ii) affect patients' and caregivers' acceptance or refusal of S-OPAT. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were performed with HCPs involved in S-OPAT and with patients and caregivers who either self-administered OPAT or declined S-OPAT. Participants were recruited from four hospitals and six home care organizations. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one interviews were conducted with HCPs, patients and caregivers. The determinants reported were related to cognitions or affect (e.g. emotions or personality traits, such as patients' reluctance to accept help), skills and capabilities (e.g. patients' perceived skills for S-OPAT, or the ability of HCPs to explain what S-OPAT entails) and collaboration and communication (e.g. between healthcare organizations and between patients and caregivers). CONCLUSIONS: Decisions regarding S-OPAT are influenced by cognitive, skill-related, and collaborative determinants shaping inter-stakeholder cooperation. Addressing these determinants may help create a more person-centred approach and support further expansion of S-OPAT. We recommend increasing HCP awareness of S-OPAT, discussing S-OPAT with all patients or their caregivers, emphasizing the freedom to try S-OPAT, and tailoring the content, timing, and location of the S-OPAT offer to individual needs.