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Home Infusion Therapy: The Benefits of Infusion Nursing

December 15, 2022
Having to take so many trips to and from the hospital every day, not to mention the cost of transportation, can make infusion therapy seem like quite a chore for patients, on top of the growing expenses of the recovery process. Since the development of in-home infusion therapy, patients have benefitted from the cost savings and convenience of being able to have a better alternative to hospital infusion therapy ever since it became available. Taking your infusion therapy at home has many advantages, but above all those reasons, nothing can truly beat the comfort of being able to take your infusion therapy from the comfort of your own home.


What is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy refers to a medical treatment that involves the administration of medication or other treatments directly into the bloodstream as a part of a medical procedure. This can be done through a vein in the arm or through a port that is inserted under the skin. Because IV therapy is administered intravenously, it is found to be the most effective route of treatment based on the requirements and the condition of the patient. 

Antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, chemotherapy, hydration, pain management, and parental nutrition are examples of prescription drug therapies administered intravenously. A special type of infusion therapy is used for patients who suffer from chronic and sometimes rare diseases that require specialized infusion medications to be administered twice a day.


What is an Infusion Nurse?

Infusion nurses are registered nurses who specialize in administering intravenous fluids and medications to patients via intravenous catheters. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Infusion nurses are responsible for assessing patients' needs and creating individualized care plans. They also monitor patients' progress and respond to any complications that may arise. 


Can Infusion Therapy Be Done at Home?

The use of infusion therapy at home can be a great way to receive treatment for many different types of medical conditions. With the convenience of being able to receive medical treatment in the comfort of your own home, you will be able to avoid the hassle and stress of having to go to a hospital or clinic. Having your infusion therapy done at home allows you to continue with your normal routine, which can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. It is also a good option for people who have difficulty getting to medical appointments due to their location. You don't have to worry about traffic, crowds, or long waiting times in a doctor's office when you receive your treatment at home. You can relax in your comfortable environment and receive the care you need without having to travel. Additionally, in-home infusion therapy can often be more cost-effective than receiving treatment at a hospital or clinic.


How Effective is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy has been proven to be an extremely effective technique for delivering medications and other treatments directly into the body. Since infusion therapy bypasses the digestive system, it can provide relief from symptoms as well as promote healing faster than traditional oral delivery methods because it bypasses the digestive system. A variety of conditions can be treated with infusion therapy, including chronic pain, cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Infusion therapy is commonly used to treat these conditions. 


What Type of Conditions Can Infusion Therapy Be Used For?

A variety of conditions can be treated with infusion therapy, including cancer, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Infusions of drugs or other treatments are administered directly into the bloodstream. By doing so, the treatment can reach the entire body quickly and effectively. Often, infusion therapy is used in place of other treatments, such as oral medications or injections.

Infusion therapy is used for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
  • Autoimmune diseases 
  • Cancer 
  • Crohn's disease 
  • Cystic fibrosis 
  • Gastrointestinal disorders 
  • Hematologic disorders 
  • Infectious diseases 
  • Neurological disorders
 

What Are The Benefits of Infusion Therapy? 

There are many benefits of infusion therapy. Some of the most notable include:
  1. Increased Accuracy. Compared to oral medications, infusion therapy can deliver medications more accurately and faster. For medications that need to be delivered on time to be effective, this is of particular importance.
  2. Increased Safety. As a result of infusion therapy, medications, and other treatments can be delivered directly into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. As well as being able to monitor blood pressure and other vital signs during treatment, it also helps to ensure a safe treatment environment.
  3. Increased Comfort. There is often less discomfort associated with infusion therapy as compared to oral medications. This is because there is no need to swallow pills, which can sometimes be a very difficult or uncomfortable process.
  4. Long-term convenience. Infusion therapy can often be administered at home, allowing patients to avoid repeated trips to their doctor's office or hospital. This is especially beneficial for those patients who have a hectic schedule or who live far from their medical facility.
  5. Increased Effectiveness. Infusion therapy can increase the effectiveness of medication by ensuring that it reaches its target destination quickly and effectively. This can help to improve treatment outcomes and relieve symptoms more quickly.
 

What To Expect from In-Home Infusion Therapy? 

Essentially, infusion therapy in the comfort of your home is the same therapy that you would receive in a hospital or clinic, but it is delivered in the comfort of your own home. It is exactly for this reason that you would need an infusion nurse to make sure that your infusion sessions go smoothly and that they are handled professionally. As well as the change of needles that are required in infusion therapy, there are several other technicalities involved, depending on the recommendation of your doctor. There may be instances where central lines are inserted into different locations in your body, such as your neck, chest, groin, and arm, and may remain there for an extended period. 
 

How Long Does IV Infusion Therapy Last?

IV infusion therapy can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the condition you are suffering from and what your doctor recommends. The length of each treatment truly depends on a variety of factors, one of which is the medication that will be given to you. 
 

What Are the Roles of An Infusion Nurse? 

Infusion nurses are responsible primarily for administering and overseeing health clinical services within the confines of the patient's home. They are also responsible for ensuring the quality of the patient's treatment. In addition, they must follow the correct procedures for administering IV medication to ensure uniformity in the level of care given to the patient. We strive to provide a higher standard of care to our patients here at BrightStar Care Kissimmee which is why our nurses always strive to provide a higher standard of care to them. 
 

Contact BrightStar Care of Pembroke Pines today!

You may be overwhelmed by IV Infusion Therapy, but BrightStar Care ensures that the process is made as simple as possible. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in finding the right Infusion Nurse to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! You may also call us at 954-518-3420. We look forward to hearing from you!