Observational study as a strategy for target oxygen control in a hospital environment

Abstract

Supplemental oxygen (O2) administration is a therapy commonly required for patients with hypoxemia. However, currently several studies show evidence that indiscriminate administration of O2 can lead to hyperoxia and consequently increase mortality. The main objective of the study was to identify the supply of O2 administered in a hospital setting and its relationship to the corresponding peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients undergoing oxygen therapy and to identify whether this saturation is adequate and safe within the currently accepted values (92-96%). This is a cross-sectional, observational and quantitative descriptive field study, where we collect data three times a week over a two-month period. Forty participants of both sexes were included, regardless of age, who were hospitalized with O2 supplementation. We established three saturation ranges, being ≤91; 92-96% and ≥97, being the range of 92-96%, considered as target for this study. We found that 52.5% of the participants did not fit the SpO2 target value established as adequate and safe. Therefore, we conclude that O2 supply based on saturation has been managed in amounts that do not fit as adequate and safe in current studies. We suggest further studies that highlight the benefits of optimizing the use of oxygen therapy, so that there is better dissemination of O2 awareness appropriately.