ACT DOMICILIARY OXYGEN & RESPIRATORY SUPPORT SCHEME PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR TRIAL

Introduction/Aim: Ambulatory oxygen therapy is routinely offered to patients with chronic severe lung disease. Following significant interest from consumers and advocacy groups regarding the portable oxygen concentrator (POC), the ACT Domiciliary Oxygen and Respiratory Support Scheme (DORSS) aimed to evaluate a protocol for prescribing oxygen via a POC and to determine if these devices are a viable alternative to oxygen cylinders for patients using ambulatory oxygen. Methods: Twelve volunteer oxygen dependent clients from DORSS were first medically assessed by a Respiratory Physician, followed by spirometry and a 6 minute walk test (6MWT) with portable oxygen cylinder to determine POC prescription. 4 participants were excluded from the trial following initial assessment. 6MWT was repeated with a POC and those without significant oxygen desaturation were provided a loan POC for 3 months. A questionnaire about their POC use was sent fortnightly and pre and post POC St George Respiratory Questionnaires (SGRQ) were also completed. Results: 8 participants completed the trial (median age 76 years). There was no clinically significant difference between pre-trial SGRQ scores (range 23-77, median 54) and post-trial SGRQ scores (range 22- 64, median 52). Participants consistently agreed that the POC was easier and more convenient to use. Many felt more confident leaving home and attending social engagements with a POC. However, some found the POC too heavy to carry. There were no reported adverse events while using a POC. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that switching from oxygen cylinders to a POC may be done safely with an appropriate scripting process for ambulatory oxygen users. Participants unanimously found the POC superior to oxygen cylinders in terms of size and convenience. However, given our small number of participants, a larger study would be needed to assess safety and impact of the POC on quality of life.