Routine use of automated FiO₂ control in Poland: prospective registry and survey

The performance of automated control of inspired oxygen (A-FiO2) has been confirmed in dozens of studies but reports of routine use are limited. Broadly adopted in Poland, our aim is to share that experience.

We used a prospectively planned observational study of the performance, general use patterns, unit practices, and problems with A-FiO2, based on a web registry of case reports, complemented by surveys of subjective impressions.

In 2019, a total of 92 A-FiO2 systems were in routine use in 38 centers. Of the 38 centers, 20 had agreed in 2013 to participate in the project. In these centers, A-FiO2 was applied in infants of all weights, but some centers restricted its use to weaning from oxygen and unstable infants. A cohort had reported their experience with each use (5/20 centers, 593 cases). A quarter of those infants were managed with a lower target range and three-quarters with alarms looser than European guidelines for manual SpO₂ control. The perceived primary advantages of A-FiO2 were as follows: keeping the readings in the target range, reducing exposure to SpO₂ extremes, reducing risk from nurse distraction, reducing workload, and reducing alarm fatigue. Practices did evolve with experience, including implementing changes in the alarm strategy, indications for use, and target range. The potential for over-reliance on automation was cited as a risk. There were a few reports of limited effectiveness (moderate 12/593 and poor 2/593).

Automated oxygen control is broadly perceived by users as an improvement in controlling SpO₂ with infrequent problems.