Universities' study finds treating patients at home with IV antibiotics could save NHS millions
The pump doesn't require the patient to be bed bound, it hooks onto a belt meaning they can go about their day as normal
A study has found that treating patients at home with intravenous (IV) antibiotics using elastomeric pumps could save the NHS significant costs and alleviate pressure on hospital beds.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Cambridge examined the viability of administering antibiotics remotely with elastomeric pumps—small single-use devices that continuously deliver medication into the bloodstream—which could be filled and prepared at a patient’s home rather than at a pharmacy.
The study concluded this approach could save the NHS more than £3,500 per patient compared to traditional hospital admissions, outpatient clinic visits, or even pre-filled pumps used at home.
If implemented on a larger scale, this solution could save the NHS millions annually and create much-needed availability in hospital beds, the researchers suggest.
Benefits for patients and clinicians
Lead researcher Dr Stephanie Howard Wilsher from UEA's Norwich Medical School said:
“Pressure on hospital beds is a longstanding issue for the NHS, which calls for innovative solutions.
“We wanted to see whether treating people at home with IV antibiotics would be both acceptable for patients and clinicians—and importantly, cost-saving.”
During the study, a total of 24 participants were recruited to test the system, in which medication was prepared and administered in patients’ homes by trained nurses. Patients were remotely monitored twice daily, and many described the experience as easier and less stressful than a hospital stay.
Dr Howard Wilsher explained how patients valued the benefits of being able to recover in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by friends and family, all while reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Clinicians, although initially expressing concerns about remote monitoring, ultimately found the service suitable for patients. One clinician described a situation where the system identified a patient’s elevated blood pressure, resulting in timely medication adjustments without the need for hospital admission.
Cost savings and future potential
The study highlighted significant cost savings for the NHS. The per-patient cost of nurse-filled at-home treatment using elastomeric devices was £2,507.54, compared to £6,122.70 for a hospital stay, £3,603.76 for daily outpatient clinic visits, or £4,373.37 for a pre-filled pump used at home.
Furthermore, the pump doesn't require the patient to be bed bound, it hooks onto a belt meaning they can go about their day as normal.
Dr Howard Wilsher emphasised, “Using the device at home provides greater independence for patients, while reducing pressure on hospital beds and providing good healthcare at much-needed cost-savings for the NHS.”
Researchers are optimistic that the implementation of this treatment option on a larger scale could help the NHS manage increasing demands for high-quality care. Dr Howard Wilsher added:
“Provided there is robust training for patients and clinicians and that clinical governance standards are adhered to, this approach could be a vital step forward. It may also pave the way for use in administering other medications, potentially including chemotherapy, where drugs are suitable for stable intravenous delivery in home settings.”