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Home infusion therapy involves the administration of medications through an intravenous (IV) line, allowing patients to receive treatment outside of a hospital or clinic setting.
Many medications are more effective when infused because they are delivered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring faster and more efficient absorption.
The duration of an infusion depends on the type of medication, dosage, and the device used for administration. It can take as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours.
Home infusion therapy allows you to receive treatment in the comfort and safety of your own home. The medication can be self-administered by the patient, a family member, or a caregiver. Our facility will provide you with the necessary medication and supplies to ensure a smooth and effective treatment process.
Many medications are more effective when they are infused because they are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
Here are some key things to know before starting your therapy:
To receive medication at home, you must have one of the following access devices: PICC line, Midline, Tunneled Central line, or Port-a-Cath. These devices allow medication to be administered directly into the vein for effective treatment.
The duration of an infusion depends on the type of medication, dosage, and the device used for administration. It can take as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours.
For certain treatments, you may need to use medical equipment. Your nurse will provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions and ensure you feel comfortable with the process before starting your treatment.
The routine care and maintenance of a PICC line involve weekly flushing and dressing changes. However, if the PICC is used for administering drugs or fluids, it must be flushed immediately after completing the infusion. Additionally, security devices such as Statlock or Griplock should be changed once every four weeks.
You should flush your PICC line as often as directed by your healthcare provider. In some cases, it may need to be flushed after each use. If the PICC line is not in active use, flushing may be required once a day or, in some instances, once a week.
Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first 48 hours after the line is placed. Never use scissors to remove tape or dressing from around the line. Always secure the line to your arm with tape to prevent it from snagging on objects. When showering, cover the area with plastic to keep the dressing dry.
Placing body pillows on either side of you can help prevent shifting at night and reduce discomfort. It is generally best to sleep on your back to avoid friction or movement around the port, but some individuals may find sleeping on their side more comfortable.
If you don't care for your PICC line properly, you could develop complications such as occlusions (blockage), phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), thrombosis (blood clots), hemorrhage (bleeding), and infection. Call your infusion RN, and she will guide you through troubleshooting your line. Go to the emergency department immediately if you develop a fever.
If at home you notice that the insertion site of the catheter is oozing or bleeding, call your Infusion Nurse for guidance. We will likely be sending you to the hospital for evaluation of your line.
It is important that you understand that while under our care, we must be made aware immediately if you are hospitalized for any reason while undergoing treatment. Our team works hand in hand with your healthcare providers to ensure they are fully aware of your treatment plan.
We strive to ensure we provide you with an adequate quantity of supplies to properly infuse while at home. If, for some reason, you are short on any supplies or your medication malfunctions and wastes, please contact your infusion nurse, and she will ensure you are provided with the additional supplies needed.
We strive to ensure patient safety while undergoing treatment. Anticipate that your first dose will be administered in our office under RN supervision. If you develop a drug reaction, we are equipped to ensure your safety in our office. While at home, if you feel you are having a drug reaction, immediately **STOP** the infusion and **contact your Infusion RN**. Depending on the symptoms reported, you will be directed to go to the **Emergency Room**.
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To ensure proper self-administration at home, we encourage you to use this log daily when administering your infusion. This helps your Infusion Nurse monitor and support proper self-administration.
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