TABLE 3.

Factors to consider in the benefit/risk evaluation of home oxygen therapy (HOT) in people in relation to smoking

Patient-related factors	Healthcare professional related factors
Patient characteristics such as decision-making capacity (consider use of a cognitive-assessment tool)	Provide treatment based on best available evidence and clinical expertise regarding relevant legislations and ethical principles
Expected benefit of correction of hypoxaemia	Health services must be provided without prejudice
Adherence to oxygen therapy	Education and knowledge of professionals involved in HOT
Smoking habits (type and frequency)	Provide smoking cessation counselling and pharmacotherapy
Risk of adverse events	Provide adequate information on associated risks with HOT and smoking and provide safety education
Adherence to smoking cessation programme and other interventions	Analysis of COHb in ABG
Patient preference and shared decision making in alliance with patient and informal caregivers	Home visits are valuable and an opportunity to follow patient adherence to therapy

ABG: arterial blood gas analysis; COHb: carboxyhaemoglobin.