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Use of home oxygen for children in England and Wales
R A Primhak1, B Hicks, N J Shaw
1Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Insights
This study analyzed home oxygen use in children in England and Wales, finding significant variation in prescribing and prevalence, especially in infants. The data highlights the need for standardized pediatric home oxygen practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Healthcare Informatics
Background:
- A standardized ordering system introduced in February 2006 enabled data collection on pediatric home oxygen requirements in England and Wales.
- Previous data on the incidence and patterns of home oxygen prescribing for children was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and patterns of home oxygen prescribing for children in England and Wales.
- To establish a national dataset for pediatric home oxygen use.
Main Methods:
- Established a Paediatric Home Oxygen Clinical Network and the Children's Home Oxygen Record Database.
- Collected data over three years (February 2006-January 2009) via Home Oxygen Order Forms.
- Obtained anonymised point prevalence data from four provider companies in June 2007.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 888 children's records; 74% were under one year old, with chronic neonatal lung disease being the most common diagnosis (68%).
- A cross-sectional survey identified 3338 children on home oxygen, with a prevalence of 0.33 per 1000 children, peaking at 1.08 per 1000 for infants.
- Incomplete forms and variable prescribing practices were noted, alongside significant regional variations in oxygen use.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first national dataset on home oxygen use in children in England and Wales.
- The findings underscore the necessity for a coordinated approach to pediatric home oxygen prescribing.
- The data supports the recent publication of evidence-based guidelines for home oxygen therapy in children.
Background:
With the introduction of a standardised ordering system in February 2006, the opportunity arose to collect data on children requiring home oxygen in England and Wales. The authors' aim was to determine the incidence and patterns of home oxygen prescribing.
Methods:
A paediatric home oxygen clinical network and the Children's Home Oxygen Record Database were established. During a 3-year period (February 2006 to January 2009), prescribers were requested to submit copies of the Home Oxygen Order Forms. In addition, anonymised point prevalence data on all patients currently receiving home oxygen in June 2007 were obtained from the four provider companies.
Results:
Children's Home Oxygen Record Database--Forms were analysed for 888 children <16 years (58% boys) with a median age of 4.1 months; 656 (74%) were <1 year. 541 (68%) had a diagnosis of chronic neonatal lung disease; 53 (7%), neurodisability; and 49 (6%), cardiac disease. Order forms were often incomplete, and prescribing practice was variable. Provider's cross-sectional survey--There were 3338 children <16 years, representing 4% of all patients on home oxygen. Median age was 3.1 years with a peak at 6 months. The prevalence for paediatric home oxygen use in England and Wales was 0.33 per 1000, with a peak of 1.08 per 1000 for those <1 year. Marked regional variation was noted.
Conclusions:
This is the first national dataset available for children prescribed home oxygen in England and Wales. The study emphasises the need for a coordinated approach to home oxygen prescribing and justifies the recent publication of evidence-based guidelines.
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