Literature review of clinical benefits and reasons to prescribe palliative oxygen therapy in non-hypoxaemic patients.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: to review current guidelines and studies available to health professionals in the UK and explore the literature to identify reasons for the prescription of palliative oxygen therapy in non-hypoxaemic patients. BACKGROUND: oxygen therapy is often associated with the palliative treatment for breathlessness. Although prescription guidelines are available and the risks of oxygen therapy are known, the therapy is still prescribed for non-hypoxaemic patients. DESIGN: a literature search was conducted using relevant databases. Cited evidence from published guidelines was also consulted. RESULTS: the findings suggest that oxygen is no more effective than room air for treating dyspnoea for non-hypoxaemic patients, although two small studies of self-reported benefits from patients and carers indicate different perceptions of need. CONCLUSION: the findings suggest that there is a knowledge gap with regards understanding the reasons for the prescription of oxygen therapy for non-hypoxaemic patients.