Evaluation of an oxygen protocol in long-term care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often face challenges with oxygen therapy orders.
• Incomplete or missing orders and unnecessary oxygen use can negatively impact patient care and facility finances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of protocol-directed oxygen therapy recommendations by respiratory therapists in SNFs.
• To test the hypothesis that an oxygen protocol would decrease missing/incomplete orders and reduce unnecessary oxygen administration.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 261 patients requiring oxygen therapy across 17 Ohio SNFs.
• Respiratory therapists utilized an algorithm-based protocol aligned with Ohio Department of Health guidelines.
• Data were collected from January 1 to March 31, 2005.

Main Results:

• 18% of oxygen therapy orders were found to be incomplete or missing in the study population.
• The protocol implementation led to the saving of 1,175 billed days.
• A cost saving of US dollars 6,768 was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Protocol implementation enhances compliance with accreditation requirements by minimizing incomplete oxygen orders.
• Discontinuing unnecessary oxygen therapy and ensuring appropriate initiation improves patient outcomes.
• Oxygen therapy protocols offer financial benefits and optimize patient care in SNF settings.