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Complex Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (COpAT)

Complex Outpatient Antimicrobial Therapy (COpAT) is a service delivered by pharmacists, nurses and consultants specialising in infection management.

The service provides long term oral antibiotic management when frequent monitoring and reviews are needed. By collaborating with medical and surgical teams we aim to provide safest and most patient specific treatment options for any infection. COpAT team is a part of the Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) service which provides intravenous antibiotics for patients who do not require staying at the hospital.

COpAT team operates from Royal Derby Hospital and London Road OPAT centre and contacts patients by:

  • face to face appointments
  • NHS attend anywhere (Video call)
  • phone call

The doctor prescribing the antimicrobial treatment for COpAT assumes clinical responsibility for the drug and the consequences of its use. Patients remain under the care of the acute Trust discharging consultant until their oral therapy is completed.

How to refer

All referrals should be made via Extramed to COpAT service. Please ensure all details on the referral form are completed prior to discharge.

Please use the file below to guide you on referral, assessment and discharge.

Download Linezolid Pathway, Referral and Counselling form (COpAT) [docx] 70KB

Contact information

OPAT Pharmacist

Telephone: 07823 373 820

OPAT Pharmacy Technician

Telephone: 07823 373 909

Email: dhft.OPAT@nhs.net

OPAT Nurse

Telephone: 07471 140 520

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton

Out of Hours you will need to contact the on call pharmacist via switchboard, and ask them to bleep Ext 6603

How to use our video consultation service

We offer a skype style service where we can arrange video consultations with patients where suitable.

The team will arrange an appointment with you in advance and send a message with instructions.

Please follow these simple steps to the video consultation:

  1. Get information on our video consultations >
  2. Press on "Enter general waiting room - Derby"
  3. Press Start video call
  4. Enter your details
  5. Please ask the administration staff to transfer you to the OPAT team.
  6. You will be admitted to our clinic.

See you soon!

Download instructions on how to use Attend Anywhere (opens in new window) [pdf] 741KB

FAQs

Why do I need COpAT?

Some infections require prolonged use of antibiotics. While antibiotics help fight the infection, majority can cause side-effects which can be effectively managed under specialist supervision. We are here to make sure that you get the most benefit from your treatment.

What to do if I have ran out of medicines?

Medicines can be supplied by the COpAT team. If you are struggling to obtain medicines from your GP or Hospital please call us and we will help.

How will I be monitored?

Regular blood tests are needed to monitor your body’s response to the treatment. Blood samples will usually be taken by the specialist OPAT nurse, phlebotomist in the community or GP surgery.

We might ask you to attend London Road OPAT centre for blood tests or appointments.

Who will review my blood results?

Depending on the antibiotic you will be reviewed either weekly or monthly and the COpAT pharmacist will review your blood results and monitor your progress. These will be discussed within a wider team on a weekly basis.

What communication should I expect?

COpAT team will call you regularly to check how you are feeling. We will keep you updated with any changes or bloods test requirements. In addition, you will have regular appointments with your consultant. Our team is always available to chat. Please do not hesitate and contact us.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

All medicines can have side effects; please refer to your specific antibiotic information leaflet supplied with your medication for possible side effects.

If you experience any of the following symptoms please inform a member of the COpAT service as soon as possible.

  • High temperature – feeling hot/cold/ shaking
  • Dizziness, facial flushing or rash.
  • Sore throat, aching, headache, nausea or diarrhoea
  • PICC/Midline complications
  • Feeling generally unwell

In very rare cases severe reactions may occur. This may include:

  • Swollen throat/mouth
  • Swollen eyes, lips, hands or feet
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Feeling faint or collapse
  • Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

If you experience a severe reaction please call 999.