Overcoming barriers to oxygen saturation targeting.
Susannah P Ford1, Mary Kay Leick-Rude, Kerri A Meinert
1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
Implementing oxygen saturation targeting in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) improved oxygen saturation levels in very low birth weight infants. This quality improvement initiative successfully reduced hyperoxia and changed clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Quality Improvement Science
Background:
- Hyperoxia is a significant concern for very low birth weight infants receiving supplemental oxygen.
- Neonatal respiratory quality improvement initiatives aim to optimize oxygen delivery and reduce associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate an oxygen saturation targeting protocol in very low birth weight infants.
- To reduce the incidence of hyperoxia by establishing optimal oxygen saturation ranges.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rapid-cycle quality improvement projects to adapt and implement an oxygen saturation targeting protocol.
- Monitored hourly oxygen saturation levels using pulse oximetry in the target infant population.
Main Results:
- Increased the percentage of time within the target oxygen saturation range (90%-94%) from 20% to 35%.
- Significantly decreased the percentage of time with oxygen saturation above 98% from 30% to an average of 5%-10%.
Conclusions:
- A strategic approach to oxygen saturation targeting can lead to lasting changes in clinical practice.
- Successful implementation can foster a cultural shift within NICUs regarding oxygen management.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...


