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Home oxygen therapy for infants and young children with acute bronchiolitis and other lower respiratory tract

Theresa Zappia1, Sue Peter, Graham Hall

  • 1Princess Margaret Hospital , Perth , Western Australia .

Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing
|October 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hospital in The Home Oxygen therapy (HiTHOx) safely manages selected infants and children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), reducing hospital stays. This program offers an effective alternative care model, especially during peak seasons.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Home healthcare innovation
  • Health service delivery

Background:

  • Acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a major cause of pediatric hospitalization globally.
  • Bronchiolitis is a common LRTI in infants and young children.
  • Home oxygen therapy has emerged as a viable option for select acute bronchiolitis cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a Hospital in The Home Oxygen therapy (HiTHOx) program.
  • To assess the program's effectiveness for infants and children with acute bronchiolitis and other LRTI.
  • To determine the safety and efficacy of home-based oxygen management.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of a structured Hospital in The Home Oxygen therapy program.
  • Selection criteria for pediatric patients with acute LRTI suitable for home care.
  • Monitoring and management protocols for children receiving home oxygen therapy.

Main Results:

  • The HiTHOx program demonstrated a safe model of care for carefully selected pediatric patients.
  • The program was effective in reducing the length of hospital stay for children with acute bronchiolitis and LRTI.
  • No adverse events were reported, indicating program safety.

Conclusions:

  • The HiTHOx program offers a safe and effective alternative care model for pediatric LRTI.
  • Implementing similar home oxygen therapy programs can increase hospital bed capacity during peak demand.
  • This approach supports efficient resource allocation in pediatric healthcare services.
Abstract

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