Nurse-led management of uncomplicated cellulitis in the community: evaluation of a protocol incorporating intravenous ceftriaxone.
OBJECTIVE
A management protocol for specialist nurses was developed for ambulatory management of uncomplicated cellulitis requiring initial intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic therapy. Patients were all managed through an outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) service. Those with cellulitis were compared pre- and post-intervention.


RESULTS
One hundred and fourteen patients were compared with 230 retrospective controls all managed through the OPAT service. Protocol management was associated with reduced duration of outpatient i.v. therapy from 4 to 3 days, P=0.02, and reduced need for physician review (100% to 19%). Outcomes, complications and readmissions were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Specialist nurse-led management is safe and effective in the management of uncomplicated cellulitis in the context of an OPAT service and reduces the need for regular medical review without compromising clinical care.
Seaton
R Andrew
RA
Outpatient and Home Parenteral Antibiotic Service, Brownlee Centre Infection Unit, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK. andrew.seaton@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
Bell
E
E
Gourlay
Y
Y
Semple
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002443:Ceftriaxone