Original Investigation

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Practice Variability Across Veterans Affairs Hospitals

JAMA Network Open 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.29952

August 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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This study found that VAMC OPAT care processes were highly variable. Although a knowledgeable and interdisciplinary team may be ideal, having such a team may not always be possible due to staffing and cost constraints. Developing facility-level OPAT-dedicated processes, including policies and checklists, as well as increased support and protected time for staff may improve safe, effective OPAT delivery in VAMCs.

Corresponding Author: Elizabeth A. Scruggs-Wodkowski, MD, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (elizabeth.scruggs-wodkowski@va.gov).

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