References
Oxygen alert wristbands (OxyBand) and controlled oxygen: a pilot study
Abstract
Despite the introduction of Oxygen Alert Cards, guidelines and audits, oxygen therapy remains overused in NHS practice, and this may lead to iatrogenic mortality. This pilot study aimed to examine the use of Oxygen Alert Wristbands (OxyBand) designed to alert health professionals who are delivering oxygen to patients to ensure that the oxygen is administered and titrated safely to the appropriate target saturations. Patients at risk of hypercapnic acidosis were asked to wear OxyBands while presenting to paramedics and health professionals in hospitals. Inappropriate prescription of oxygen reduced significantly after the OxyBands were used. A questionnaire-based assessment showed that the clinicians involved had a good understanding of the risks of uncontrolled oxygen. Forty-two patients found the wrist band comfortable to wear, and only two did not. OxyBands may have the potential to improve patient safety over Oxygen Alert Cards.
Oxygen is vital for life, and it is one of the most common interventions used in healthcare worldwide (Kelly and Maden, 2015). Oxygen is routinely used for acutely ill patients, with the primary goal of correcting alveolar and/or tissue hypoxia. It is also used in the home after careful evaluation by a Home Oxygen and Review Service (HOS-AR) (in the UK) to ensure that normal or near-normal oxygen saturations are achieved (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2019).
Oxygen is seen as beneficial by most health professionals but, worryingly, it is widely considered to be completely harmless (National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), 2018). Further, the perceived benefits of oxygen seem to be driving poor practice and a self-perpetuating cycle of perceived barriers to perception change (Kelly et al, 2018). It must be kept in mind always that oxygen is a drug and should be treated as such through correct prescribing, administration and monitoring (NICE, 2019). All health professionals who administer and prescribe oxygen therapy must be aware of side effects and potential detrimental effects, as with any drug.
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