Long-term oxygen therapy on the island of Crete, Greece

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of use, the selection criteria for usage and the conditions under which long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is provided on the island of Crete, Greece. A total of 545 patients using oxygen therapy at home in Crete were found from the records held by local hospitals, health insurance offices and oxygen supply companies. After randomization, 100 patients were selected, and finally 79 patients (64 males, 15 females), with a mean age of 71 yrs, were contacted and completed a questionnaire. The majority of patients (n = 57, 72%) using LTOT had a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 67 (85%) patients LTOT was prescribed by a chest physician. All patients used large oxygen cylinders. The duration of daily oxygen use was significantly longer in the group of patients prescribed it by chest physicians than in those who was prescribed it by doctors from other specialities (8.8 h versus 4.7 h, p < 0.05). Of the patients, 47 (60%) fulfilled the criteria for LTOT. However, only 33 (43%) had accurate written instructions on how to use their home oxygen. A significant number of patients (n = 24, 29%) were still smokers and 63 (80%) had had a follow-up assessment. Our results suggest that COPD is the major grounds for LTOT. The daily duration of the oxygen therapy was longer in the group prescribed it by chest physicians. It is a concern that difficulties in setting up oxygen cylinders resulted in some ineffective usage. Physicians should stress the advantages of O2 concentrators.