Evaluation of the outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study of patient satisfaction

While OPAT services have been progressively implemented in Malaysia, evidence on patient satisfaction with the service remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the status of patient satisfaction with OPAT services in Malaysia, to identify gaps, and highlight areas for improvement. This cross-sectional study surveyed OPAT patients, aged 18 years and older, across 13 Malaysian public hospitals from October 2024 to December 2025 using a structured questionnaire. Satisfaction was measured across four variables (confidence, antibiotic tolerability, OPAT facilities, and team quality), with scores categorised from not satisfied (0.00–2.99) to highly satisfied (5.00). A total of 224 patients participated, with a mean age of 44.0 ± 17.1 years. Overall patient satisfaction was high, with over 90% ( n = 119, 53.1% highly satisfied; n = 98, 43.8% satisfied) of patients reporting a positive treatment experience. Confidence in OPAT efficacy was high ( n = 166, 74.1%), and nearly all patients were happy ( n = 211, 94.2%) and would recommend the service ( n = 219, 97.8%). Most patients were extremely satisfied with the antibiotic tolerability ( n = 149, 66.5%), team performance ( n = 190, 84.8%), and facility quality ( n = 176, 78.6%). Although overall satisfaction was high, a minor subset of patients ( n = 6, 2.7%) experienced issues during treatment. Among those who interacted with the OPAT team, 78.6% were extremely satisfied with communication. OPAT services in Malaysia are well accepted and tolerated, with notable strengths in antibiotic tolerability, team competency, and facility quality.