Warning

Oxygen therapy - when to supply

  • This guideline does not include information on the use of oxygen for palliation, where oxygen should be used if patient hypoxic and administration improves this.
  • Oxygen therapy (other than for palliation) should only be initiated following review by a respiratory physician
  • There is no evidence of benefit from oxygen therapy in the absence of hypoxia.
  • Short burst oxygen therapy offers no benefit.

Only specific consultants (e.g. respiratory, palliative care, cardiology) will be authorised to prescribe home oxygen, any new patient believed to require home oxygen must be referred to the appropriate consultant for their assessment and the production of a Scottish Home Oxygen Order Form (SHOOF) for transmission to the provider Dolby Vivisol.

Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy National Guidelines

Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning
LTOT Long Term Oxygen Therapy
COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
JVP Jugular Venous Pressure

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 03/12/2021

Next review date: 03/12/2024

Author(s): Respiratory Department .

Version: 2

Approved By: Awaiting approval from TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Michelle Duffy, Advanced Practice Respiratory Nurse.

Document Id: TAM368