Home Oxygen Therapy
Current evidence suggests that home oxygen therapy adds significantly to the comfort and quality of life of patients in whom chronic hypoxaemia is the cause of discomfort.
The use of home oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxaemia
has long been a topic for discussion. Should patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other forms of debilitating lung disease be discharged on oxygen therapy?
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand have developed clinical guidelines to assuage the debate and ensure appropriate home oxygen use.
The guidelines confirm that home oxygen therapy provides benefits that outweigh any perceived inconvenience.
Patients with COPD and a stable daytime PaO2 of ≤ 55mmHg (7.3kPa) live longer and have a better quality of life if provided with long-term continuous oxygen (at least 15 hours/day)
Most patients who are discharged from hospital on oxygen therapy find that, with a few changes to their lifestyle, a positive quality of life can be maintained. Staying in the comfort and security of the home, instead of enduring additional, or extended hospital admissions is a manifest benefit for patients who require oxygen support.
Avoiding admission to hospital has added advantages. During 2009, an estimated 200,000 hospital acquired infections (HAI) with a prevalence rate of 6% to 8%, were reported by the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC). Reducing person-to person transmission and length of hospital stay for patients with chronic illness, who already exhibit compromised health status, may help to limit the incidence of HAI.
With recently announced health reforms aiming to shift the focus from hospitals towards primary health care, there will be a growing trend relating to patients staying at home and out of hospital for longer periods. Home oxygen therapy facilitates this trend with more convenient, portable oxygen delivery methods allowing patients the freedom to continue their normal daily activities.
Useful URLs
The Australian Lung Foundation
www.lungfoundation.com.au
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
www.thoracic.org.au