[Monitoring domiciliary oxygen therapy from a district hospital]

This study aimed a) to evaluate correct use of domiciliary oxygen therapy (DOT); b) to estimate the prevalence of DOT, and c) to evaluate DOT based on the same parameters after intervention by the monitoring team.

Cross-sectional, prospective study of all patients receiving DOT before and after initiation of monitoring. We administered spirometric tests, analyzed indications for and compliance with DOT and monitored pulse oxymetry in order to adjust oxygen flow.

Seventy-six patients were receiving DOT (63/100,000 inhabitants). Among the 60 patients with COPD, half met ideal indications for prescribing DOT, 65% complied with over 15 h of DOT, and hypoxemia was not corrected for 26%. Monitoring resulted in withdrawal of DOT from 28 patients (reduction of 37%), and DOT was prescribed for 27 new patients, 11 of whom received liquid oxygen. At the end of the study, 46 patients were receiving DOT (38/100,000 inhabitants).

a) Ideal indications for DOT, adequate compliance and correction of hypoxemia were observed in 54% of the patients undergoing therapy; b) creation of a special service to care for patients receiving DOT improves monitoring, and c) the prevalence of DOT in our area has been reduced from 63 to 38/100,000 inhabitants.