Setting nursing standards in hyperbaric oxygen therapy

This articles focuses on work undertaken as part of a Standards of Care initiative in a Regional Hyperbaric Oxygen Unit in the North of England. The historical development of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, possible clinical applications, and aspects of administration are reviewed. An example of one of the series of nursing standards derived is included together with the patient information sheet and evaluation questionnaire given to patients at the conclusion of the treatment. It is concluded that writing and monitoring Standards of Care can be a very effective quality assurance strategy at unit level.