Home oxygen service- Assessment and review

Abstract

Introduction: The Department of Health figures indicate that 85,000 patients in England have home oxygen at an annual cost of about £120million (DOH, COPD Commissioning Toolkit, 2012.) It is thought that between 24% and 43% of oxygen that was ordered was not used or derived no clinical benefit. The NHS was charged for each patient who was supplied oxygen regardless whether it was used or not. This poor compliance led to waste. Home oxygen was ordered by healthcare professionals with no specialist training regarding home oxygen. Patients on oxygen were not regularly reviewed so their orders of oxygen were not changed according to their current need. Aims and objectives: The aim was to set up a specialist service to assess and review patients regarding home oxygen. Methods: The introduction of a specialist assessment and review service was to improve patient care, to educate patients and carers, to ensure patients are receiving an appropriate order of home oxygen and to reduce the annual spend. One Band 7 Physiotherapist was appointed to assess and review patients in Portsmouth. A new regional contract was started in 2012. Results: Since the setting up there have been service improvements and financial savings made. Conclusions: An assessment and review service ensures patients have the correct oxygen order and reduces waste initially . Home oxygen assessment and review service provides information to patients and their carers regarding home oxygen and give a central point of contact.