Authors (including presenting author) :
Choi YWR(1), Ng TH(1), Kong SB(1), Ku WNH(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Yan Chai Hospital
Introduction :
Oxygen therapy is a key service in occupational therapy. Current assessment in outpatient and on-site community cannot collect sufficient SpO2 data in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and sleeping. To address this, a Wellure O2 ring was piloted and loaned to patients for continuous home monitoring across various activities. The reports generated from the ring provided accurate evidence for oxygen therapy consumption. This facilitated accurate oxygen therapy prescription and monitoring. Furthermore, telehealth service model was introduced into the program. The oxygen therapy prescription rate, clinical admissions 6-month pre- and post-treatment was evaluated. Result revealed that enhancing equipment in home oxygen therapy and incorporating telehealth service could significantly reduce hospital admissions, while improving patient’s experiences.
Objectives :
1. To improve the accuracy of oxygen therapy
2. To improve outcomes of oxygen therapy
3. To refine the service delivery model
Methodology :
A “6-month pre-treatment” vs. “6-month post-treatment” comparison was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: i) patients living at home; ii) willing to monitor SpO₂ and heart-rate using a Wellue O₂ ring; iii) ability to generate reports via an app and communicate them to the therapist. Based on these reports, OT suggested oxygen therapy indications to the doctor and prescribed the therapy, regime, and dosage accordingly. Outcomes measured included the number of oxygen therapy prescriptions and 6-month pre-treatment and 6-month post-treatment hospital admissions.
Result & Outcome :
This service review involved 13 patients in the ICDS group and 7 in the COT group from October 2023 to November 2024.
ICDS Group: The number of patients requiring oxygen therapy remained unchanged (10 patients). Although there were 6 unplanned admissions in 6-month post-treatment, the total admissions decreased from 15 episodes to 6 episodes after 6-month treatment.
COT Group: Oxygen therapy prescriptions increased from 2 to 7 patients, with significant reductions in hospital admissions from seven 6-month pre-treatment to none 6-month post-treatment.
To further enhance the service, it is recommended that ICDS patients could be referred to COT for follow-up after case closure. Priority one (P1) appointments are suggested for COT patients. In summary, this review highlights the importance of enhanced home monitoring and service delivery, improving the accuracy of oxygen therapy prescriptions and reducing unplanned admissions. Future plans to include PCA for telehealth support and extend services to OAH patients receiving oxygen therapy is suggested.
