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Gershon R, Pogorzelska M, Qureshi K Home health care patients and safety hazards in the home: preliminary findings. In: Henriksen K, Battles JB, Keyes MA Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2008

Hammett E Out-of-hospital resuscitation 1: adult basic life support. Nurs Times. 2021; 117:(9)27-30

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical knowledge summaries. 2023. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/backgroundinformation/prevalence

Vincent C, Amalberti R Safety strategies for care in the home, 1st edn. In: Vincent C, Amalberti R New York City: Springer, Cham; 2016

Carbon monoxide poisoning: assessment and actions for nurses working in service users’ homes

02 November 2024
Volume 29 · Issue 11

Abstract

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons such as gas or coal. Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with high levels of mortality and morbidity, although the symptoms of exposure are non-specific and difficult to diagnose. Historically, healthcare professionals who work directly in service users’ homes have faced a higher risk of exposure to environments contaminated with carbon monoxide. Despite improved heating engineering and greater protective legislation, there still remains a tangible risk for community nurses and service users, particularly in homes still using open fires, old heating systems and poorly maintained heating appliances. This article provides a scientific summary of carbon monoxide poisoning for nurses working in the community setting. It outlines evidence-based guidance on prevention and initial treatment actions, along with safety instructions to follow in the event of exposure to carbon monoxide.

Working with service users in their home environment can be challenging for healthcare professionals in the community setting because of potential safety risks. These include household-related hazards (poor indoor air quality and toxic substances), healthcare risks (infection and environmental cleanliness) and security issues (violence and aggression, lone working) (Gershon et al, 2008; Vincent and Amalberti, 2016).

All of these risks are exacerbated by the unpredictable nature of providing healthcare at home, and the challenges of risk assessment and management in these circumstances. Despite this, the home environment remains an important and effective setting for acute and chronic healthcare provision in the 21st century, particularly because in the majority of cases, patients prefer home care and it is the policy focus of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC, 2023). Evidence-based strategies are needed to reduce risks and ensure that the home environment remains a safe and effective setting for healthcare provision.

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