Patients who need regular infusions, whether due to chronic conditions, recovery from an illness, or post-surgery care, now have the option to continue receiving treatment from home instead of going to the hospital.
Home infusion therapy has undoubtedly made life more convenient and comfortable for many patients. As a result, an increasing number of people are choosing to transition from infusion centers to home-based treatments.
If you’re considering starting home infusion but aren’t sure where to begin, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently.
Step 1: Understand What Home Infusion Is
Before you transition to home infusion, you need to have basic knowledge about it, such as what exactly it is and how it works.
Home infusion therapy allows patients to receive treatment (e.g., medications or fluids) in the comfort of their home rather than in a hospital or clinic. The medications are administered or infused directly into the patient’s body while the patient remains in a more comfortable environment.
For instance, patients can receive treatments such as immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG or SCIG), antibiotics, nutritional support (e.g., TPN), chemotherapy, or biologic infusions at home.
Home infusion therapy is recommended only for patients with stable conditions that do not require 24/7 monitoring.
Step 2: Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you or someone you know is considering switching to home infusions, the first step is to consult your healthcare provider to check your eligibility. Since not all conditions or medications are suitable for home-based infusions, you can ask your provider whether it is safe and suitable for your condition.
You can also ask about:
- Best administration options for you, such as self-administration or nurse-administered home infusion
- The type of medication you will be receiving, and how often
- The duration of the therapy, like how long you will need it
- The potential risks or side effects of this therapy
If your doctor determines you are a good candidate for home infusion, they’ll write a referral as part of your medication therapy, along with a prescription outlining the medication, its dosage and frequency, and the duration of therapy.
Step 3: Select a Home Infusion Provider or Company
Your next step is to look for a reputable home infusion company or provider. Your doctor can also help you by suggesting some good home infusion companies or providers.
If you notice any conflict of interest, it’s better to conduct the research independently. While searching for a company, you should look for the following things:
- Whether the home infusion provider or company is licensed and accredited by organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)
- Whether they have trained infusion nurses
- Whether they offer 24/7 support
- Whether they provide delivery of medications and supplies
- Whether they offer patient education and training
Step 4: Confirm Insurance Approval Was Obtained
Once you receive your doctor’s approval, the next step is to contact a home infusion company, where the benefits can be investigated. Home-based treatment can be costly. However, many insurance plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, cover home infusion costs under specific conditions. It is important to verify authorization before starting home infusion therapy. Be sure to discuss this with your home infusion provider.
Step 5: Have an Initial Assessment
Once you’ve chosen your home infusion provider, you may have an initial assessment at home or over the phone. During the initial contact, a home infusion provider will:
- Review your medical history and the doctor’s prescription
- Explain the home infusion therapy procedure
- Educate you or your caregiver about handling equipment
- Educate you or your caregiver about adequate and safe storage of medication and supplies
- Answer any questions you might have
Step 6: Prepare Your Home Space for IV Infusions
You need a clean and safe space where you can receive your treatment. Always make sure the area or room you’ve chosen for this therapy has the following:
- A flat surface (like a table or desk) to arrange the supplies
- Good lighting
- Easy access to a power outlet (if using a pump)
- A trash can to dispose of the medical waste (you’ll usually receive a special sharps container, too).
- Easy access to running water and a place where you and the nurse may wash their hands. Paper towels should be on hand for drying your hands.
You will also have received infusion supplies such as IV tubing, syringes, antiseptic wipes, and medications, which must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler.
Home Administration Options
There are two types of home infusion: One with a nurse present and one that is self-administered.
Nurse-Administered Infusion at Home
In nurse-administered infusion, a professionally trained registered nurse comes to the patient’s home to administer the medications. The nurse visits the patient to set up the infusion, insert the IV or injection, monitor for side effects, and manage the entire process.
Nurse-administered infusion is best for patients with limited mobility or a high risk of complications. Generally, patients on chemotherapy or biologics usually opt for this administration option.
Self-Administered or Caregiver-Administered (Without a Nurse)
In self-administered infusion, patients or caregivers perform the infusions themselves at home after getting proper training. This option is best for stable patients who need regular treatment like subcutaneous immunoglobulin, insulin, or antibiotics.
However, a nurse may still check in periodically (in person or virtually).
If you have chosen a self-administered infusion option, you can proceed to steps 7-9; otherwise, go to step 10 for nurse-administered home infusion.
Step 7: Receive Proper Training
Before your first infusion, your infusion nurse will train you or your caregiver. They will teach about:
- Basic hygiene: how to wash your hands and wear gloves during the infusion process to prevent the risk of infections.
- Inspection of infusion supplies: This involves checking medication labels, expiry dates, and packaging integrity.
- Equipment set up: Handling IV pumps, tubing, and catheters.
- Infusion process: Steps to administer medication, including flushing the IV line before and after use, handling pumps, and adjusting flow rates.
- Monitoring: This involves observing any signs of side effects, such as allergic reactions, during or after the infusion.
The first home infusion is always given under your provider’s supervision to ensure everything goes smoothly and you feel confident doing it independently.
Step 8: Follow the Schedule
Once you receive the proper training, your healthcare team will provide you or your caregiver with a treatment plan to follow. This plan or infusion schedule will include information like:
- How often to administer medications (e.g., once a day or thrice a week)
- Best time to infuse medications and how long each infusion should take (it could be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours)
- Symptoms to monitor during or after infusion
Sometimes, a nurse visits regularly to check on you and may assist with certain infusions. It’s important to stick to your infusion schedule and not skip any doses unless directed by your doctor.
Step 9: Know When to Call
Call your infusion provider immediately if you experience any symptoms or side effects, such as nausea, redness, swelling, fever, or chills during or after your infusion. Your infusion provider will be able to provide assistance with certain situations, like:
- When the pump is not working well
- When supplies are running low
- When the IV line is leaking or has a blockage
- When you have any questions regarding medication or its dosage
Step 10: Receive the Therapy (For Nurse-Administered Therapy Only)
If you have selected nurse-administered home infusion therapy, a nurse will come to your home to administer intravenous (IV) medications or fluids. Your home infusion provider will contact you for medication and supply delivery. Remember, the medications must be delivered to you before the nurse arrives.
Step 11: Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor will schedule check-ups or lab tests to track your progress. These visits ensure the treatment is effective and allow medication adjustments if needed.
Conclusion
Home infusion may seem challenging and intimidating initially, but it becomes a manageable part of your routine with proper guidance and a little practice. Depending on your treatment needs and comfort level, you may choose to self-administer your infusions or receive them with the help of a trained nurse in the comfort of your home. The key is choosing what works best for you.