Acute Oxygen Therapy: An Audit of Prescribing and Delivery Practices in the Medical Wards at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria, Gauteng

Abstract

Background: Oxygen is a commonly used drug in modern medical care. It has biochemical actions, safe dosage ranges, adverse physiologic effects and can be toxic at high doses and prolonged use. As a drug, it needs a formal prescription prior to administration. The prescription needs to meet certain basic minimums for appropriateness and safety. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the standards of prescriptions for oxygen therapy amongst admitted medical patients at the Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of 159 acutely ill medical admissions who received supplemental oxygen. The medication charts of patients on oxygen were audited; with regards to the availability and/or adequacy of the prescription for oxygen. Results: Of the one hundred and fifty nine patients on oxygen only 43 (27%) had an actual prescription for oxygen written. The target oxygen saturation was specified in 19 (44%) cases. The device for oxygen delivery was specified in 21 (49%) patients and just over half of the patients (56%) had flow rates indicated on their charts. Conclusion: The practice of oxygen administration in our medical wards was sub-optimal. The audit highlights the need for education and training in acute oxygen therapy.