A comparative analysis of domiciliary oxygen therapy in five European countries

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Comparative Healthcare Analysis
• Medical Market Research

Background:

• Domiciliary oxygen therapy is a critical home care service.
• Understanding market dynamics is essential for optimizing patient access and care.
• Variations in healthcare systems may influence oxygen therapy provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze the domestic market of domiciliary oxygen therapy across five European nations.
• To examine domestic legislation, prescription, delivery, and market situations.
• To identify potential benchmarks or best practices in oxygen therapy provision.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design utilizing a common checklist.
• Literature review of national and international journals on oxygen therapy.
• Expert panel interviews with healthcare professionals and market operators.

Main Results:

• Oxygen therapy is reimbursed in all studied countries, but supply and diffusion differ significantly.
• The rise of domiciliary care has impacted the traditional role of pharmacies in oxygen distribution, except in Italy.
• No specific country emerged as a definitive benchmark for oxygen therapy practices.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare system frameworks show limited direct correlation with oxygen therapy market specifics, beyond a general trend towards home care.
• Significant heterogeneity exists in oxygen therapy supply and distribution across European countries.
• Further economic evaluations of supply modalities are recommended to aid public authority decision-making.