[Home-oxygen therapy and QOL support for the in the home setting patient]

As a synthetic fiber maker, we Teijin Ltd. used polymer chemistry technology to develop an industrial oxygen-enriching membrane. With this membrane, Teijin had made first domestically manufactured membrane-type oxygen concentrator and entered home oxygen therapy market in 1982, which was three years prior to the start of medical insurance reimbursement for home oxygen therapy. Since then, the company has developed an adsorption-type oxygen concentrator, focused on power and noise reduction, and developed both the "Ultressa," a small, lightweight, portable tank used for outside activities and the "Sanso Saver," an oxygen-conserving device. Teijin also markets the "NIP Nasal", a nasal intemittent positive pressure ventilator. To maintain a development system meeting the needs of health care providers and patients, Teijin operates a direct sales system, currently staffed by specialist representatives in 60 sales offices throughout Japan who provide a rapid response, 24 hours a day, under our motto of "Peace of Mind and Reliability." Teijin not only provides devices; but also sees its function as that of assisting and pursuing QOL for home-based patients through the following services. 1. Teijin has developed TOMS, a monitoring unit connected to an oxygen concentrator in a patient home, which automatically advises a sales office as to the operating condition of the device. TOMS is installed on request, providing peace of mind for those living alone or in isolated locations. 2. When a patient travels, an oxygen concentrator can be installed at any destination in Japan and used free of charge. 3. Teijin supports get-togethers for patients and takes an active part in facilitating bus travel and other recreational activities. 4. To improve ADL and QOL, Teijin has made recent efforts to promote pulmonary rehabilitation, producing videos and booklets available through health care providers. 5. Based on lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Earthquake, the company has prepared manuals addressing a major earthquake disaster and has also stockpiled equipment. While the proportion of cancer patients is rising gradually, among home-oxygen therapy patients Teijin is committed to active efforts to meet the needs to improve QOL for those patients.