If you have a chronic health condition and need your medication infused, then you know that infusions can be a considerable time commitment, sometimes taking hours or even days to complete.
The prospect of getting your infusion treatments in the comfort of your home, rather than traveling to a hospital or infusion facility each time, is a tempting choice. For many people, it’s the right alternative — but there are many factors to consider.
The Advantages of Home Infusion
It’s more convenient, private, and comfortable. You don’t have to make the trip to your local hospital or infusion center, and you don’t have to find childcare. If one of your children is receiving infusions, having them in the familiar environment of your home can also be less stressful.
The cost could be lower. Getting infusion care at home with a visiting nurse, rather than visiting an infusion facility, can be easier on your wallet. The exact cost will depend on your health condition, your medication, and your insurance, but the savings can be significant. In one study, home infusion reduced costs by approximately $2,000–$3,000 per treatment course.1
You’ll get less exposure to germs. Chronic health conditions and infused medications can both weaken your immune system. Visiting a hospital or infusion facility can potentially expose you to more germs than you’d encounter in your own home.
The Advantages of a Clinical Setting
A hospital or infusion facility is a more controlled environment. Consider whether you need the calmer environment of a medical facility for your infusion treatments. Young children, rambunctious pets, and environmental distractions can all make home infusions more difficult to successfully complete.2
A hospital or infusion facility is safer in case of an emergency. Some infused medications can cause a reaction. While a home infusion nurse will carry an anaphylaxis kit in case of a drug reaction, at a facility, you could have a whole medical team nearby.
Home infusions bring your condition into your house. When you have an infusion somewhere other than your home, you can “leave the infusion there.” Psychologically, having infusion equipment and supplies at your home can be a constant reminder of your health condition.
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