Oxygen therapy in cardiology: local prescribing experience at a large regional cardiac centre

Oxygen is a prescribed drug which is widely used in cardiac care. Its inappropriate use can have harmful effects to the patients and would be less cost effective. Aim: This study was carried out to gain an insight into clinical practice of prescribing oxygen therapy in busy cardiology unit and whether it's affecting patient care. Method: We prospectively audited twenty patients in different Cardiology Wards: two acute and two non acute wards over 2 months. Oxygen indication, mode of delivery, documentation in case notes and prescriptions on drug charts were studied. Conclusion(s):Oxygen was poorly prescribed. No patients were prescribed oxygen on drug chart and very few patients (5 patients; 25%) had documentation of oxygen therapy in case notes. Nasal prongs were the most preferred mode of delivery for oxygen. Review of current best practice and UK/European guidance on use of oxygen in acute cardiac care has also been discussed. Keywords: acute oxygen therapy | audit | behaviour | prescription | hypoxia | oxygen
Introduction Oxygen therapy is widely used in both acute and chronic cardiac care. Various studies and audits in respiratory care have shown that oxygen is poorly prescribed by doctors [1-3]. [...]