Defining Patient and Caregivers' Experience of Home Oxygen Therapy

Home oxygen therapy has a great impact on the lives of patients and their families. The aim of this study is to define the opinions, perceptions and attitudes of patients and their caregivers regarding home oxygen.

Qualitative, phenomenological study of a sample of 57 subjects, consisting of 18 family members and/or caregivers and 39 patients receiving home oxygen in urban centers. Five focus groups were formed between March and July 2014 in hospitals in Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante. Prior informed consent was obtained from patients and families. The study material consisted of audio recordings of all focus group interviews, transcription of selected materials and field notes. Data analysis was performed using constant comparison method, establishing 2 levels of analysis.

Data from the focus groups were analyzed on 2 levels. A first level of analysis gave 21 categories. In a second level of analysis, these were integrated into 6 meta-categories: care provided by health professionals, psychological impact, care provided by commercial companies, impact on daily life, problems and satisfaction.

Home oxygen has a major psychological impact on the daily lives of both patients and their families, and can cause social isolation. Although the results show that healthcare professionals are highly appreciated, better coordination is needed between different levels of care and companies supplying oxygen in order to provide patients and families with consistent information and useful strategies.