Irish Guidelines On Long Term Oxygen Therapy

The Respiratory Nurses Association of Ireland,recognised inconsistencies and regional variations in delivery of oxygen therapy. Nationally the Patient Safety First Programme set requirments for improvements in quality and safety for patients regarding oxygen therapy. Aim: A national guideline on Long Term Oxygen Therapy. Method: Between 2014 and 2015 Respiratory Nurse Specialists,Respiratory Physician and Respiratory Physiotherapist examined practice and completed a literature review.Stakeholders dealing with patients were involved; Department of Public Health,Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Office,Irish Thoracic Society, National Respiratory Clinical Care Programme,State Claims Agency,Society of Chartered Physiotherapists,Association of Respiratory Scientists, Health Products Regulatory Authority,Health Service procurement and the community reform progamme. Results: Currently oxygen is requested through 34 different health service centres with many not having relevant testing and no standard prescription form.A comprehensive guideline was devised and disseminated via all stakeholders.This study highlights the benefits of multidisciplinary co-ordination.Following this the National Respiratory Therapies group, 2016 researched issues in relation to respiratory therapies including oxygen therapy noting delays due to inaccurate/inappropriate prescriptions (77.27%), financial approval (50%) and delivery (50%). Conclusion: The groups work is disseminated nationally, envisioning changes in the holistic delivery system of oxygen therapy for patients will occur.Currently there is a lack of Irish research into oxygen therapy use. This study has the potential to inform our current practice.