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. 2017 Sep 18;4(1):e000223. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2017-000223
Quality statement 3 All patients initiated on home oxygen should have appropriate education and written information provided by a specialist home oxygen assessment team.
Rationale Patients initiated on home oxygen without formal education are often poorly compliant with their oxygen long term. Patient education is therefore an essential component of receiving home oxygen and should be tailored to individual needs and involve learning setting goals.
Patient education should be delivered by professionals competent in the assessment and delivery of home oxygen.
Written information should be provided to supplement individual educational sessions, with consideration given to language and literacy issues.
Quality measure Structure:
  • Evidence to ensure that all patients receiving home oxygen receive education from a healthcare professional competent in the assessment and delivery of home oxygen.

  • Evidence processes are in place to ensure all patients receiving home oxygen are provided with written information regarding their oxygen therapy.

Process:
  • The proportion of patients receiving home oxygen who have received education and written information regarding their oxygen.

Numerator:
  • The number of patients receiving home oxygen who have received formal education and been provided with written information regarding their oxygen.

Denominator:
  • The number of patients receiving home oxygen.

Description of what the quality statement means for each audience Service providers:
  • Ensure sufficient time is set aside in the assessment process for patients to receive education from a healthcare professional competent in the assessment and delivery of home oxygen.

  • Ensure written information is available that takes into account all local language and literacy issues.

Healthcare professionals:
  • Ensure all patients initiated on home oxygen therapy receive education in a format that is appropriate to their needs.

Commissioners:
  • Ensure home oxygen assessment services are adequately resourced to provide initial and ongoing education to patients in a format that is appropriate to their needs.

People who require home oxygen:
  • Should receive both verbal and written information regarding their oxygen therapy and have the option to seek ongoing help as needed.

Relevant existing indicators/data sources For example, local data collection/audit.
Source references BTS Guideline for Home Oxygen Use in Adults (2015).3
Other information https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/oxygen.5