Improving Patient Safety by Increasing Staff Knowledge of Evidence-Based Pulse Oximetry Practices

Pulse oximetry is commonly used in critical care settings to monitor oxygenation status and assist with decision-making regarding oxygen therapy. Although it is imperative that nurses follow manufacturer guidelines, off-label use is common and could affect patient safety.

To increase staff members' knowledge and reduce the frequency of off-label pulse oximeter placement in the critical care setting.

A preintervention audit was completed to assess the frequency of off-label use, and a preintervention survey was given to staff. Health care staff in the critical care units received an educational intervention. A postintervention survey for health care staff and a postintervention audit were completed to assess outcomes. With the support of hospital management, 90 ear probes were purchased for critical care settings to address supply barriers to the use of appropriate pulse oximetry sensors.

In the preintervention audit (508 observations), a finger probe was used off label on the ear in 77 patients (15.2%). In the postintervention audit (365 observations), a finger probe was used on the ear in only 3 patients (0.8%).

Providing a brief educational session and making ear pulse oximeter probes readily available in the critical care setting increased compliance with manufacturer guidelines and helped ensure safe pulse oximetry monitoring.