OPAT/HITH: An Update on Emerging OPAT Practices
CRE RESPOND is proud to invite you to the OPAT/HITH: An Update on Emerging OPAT Practices seminar on Monday 23rd February 2026!
Join us for an in-depth update on emerging practices in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) and Hospital in the Home (HITH) services. This session will explore international insights, innovative nurse-led models, and practical approaches to overcoming drug-stability challenges in OPAT. The session will be chaired by Dr Diane Maresco-Pennisi and feature presentations from Professor Mark Gilchrist, Ms Alison Doherty, and Dr Fekade Sime, highlighting evolving strategies that enhance patient care and service delivery in the OPAT setting.
Event Program:
11:45am - Light lunch and registrations
Foyer, Level 2, Auditorium, UQCCR
12:00pm - Welcome and introduction
Dr Diane Maresco-Pennisi, Research Fellow, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
12:05pm - Key OPAT updates – insights from the UK
Professor Mark Gilchrist, Consultant Pharmacist Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
12:25pm - Nurse-led PICC Insertion Service for OPAT
Ms Alison Doherty, Princess Alexandra Hospital
12:45pm - New approaches in resolving drug-stability challenges in OPAT
Dr Fekade Sime, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
1:05pm - Q&A
1:15pm - Close
If you have any questions about the seminar please contact the CRE RESPOND team at cre.respond@uq.edu.au.
About Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT), Hospital in the Home (HITH) Masterclasses
CRE RESPOND continues its educational series on Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) / Hospital in the Home (HITH) Masterclass Series in 2026. Click here to subscribe to CRE RESPOND to receive an invitation.
We are proud to deliver this educational and research capacity-building activity designed to connect the leaders in the field with relevant clinicians, researchers and industry across the country and abroad. OPAT in the context of HITH is increasing in popularity and use globally, and the need for information on practices and principles of its use is evident. Current trends highlight opportunities for further expansion of scope and mechanisms to provide more convenient and cost-effective care.
Organising Committee
CRE RESPOND gratefully acknowledges the organisers of the OPAT / HITH Masterclass series for their contribution:
- Dr Fekade Sime, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, Antimicrobial Optimisation, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
- Associate Professor Benjamin Rogers, Monash Infectious Diseases and Monash Hospital in The Home, Melbourne
- Dr James Pollard, Clinical Director of Community Care, Cabrini Health, Melbourne
- Ms Nicolette Graham, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist, Queensland Children's Hospital
- Mr Sean Unwin, Infectious Disease Pharmacist, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland
- Professor Jason Roberts, Director CRE REDUCE, and NHMRC Practitioner Fellow, The University of Queensland
Venue
Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital
Herston QLD 4029