A review of the Manitoba home i.v. antibiotic program.

The Manitoba Home IV Antibiotic Program was reviewed after 12 years of operation. Patient selection and the steps involved in sending a patient home on the program are outlined. The types of infections treated and the incidence of complications and therapeutic failures are presented. The drugs and supplies used are described and total costs are discussed. The data presented is based on 748 patient admissions to the program and 15,366 patient days of experience. The review concludes that the program is safe and effective and provides a viable alternative to hospitalization for patients with chronic infections.