We provide an oxygen assessment and follow-up service for people with chronic lung disease.
The patient may be referred to our service for a full oxygen assessment if they have already received home oxygen therapy or if their healthcare professional has indicated that they may have low oxygen levels.
What to expect
When the patient comes to the service, we will assess their home oxygen needs. The first appointment may involve:
- a review of the diagnosis
- a review of any medication and self-management plan
- performing a pulse oximetry reading (by attaching a small probe to the patient’s finger to measure oxygen levels)
- performing blood gas testing to measure the levels of oxygen in the blood accurately (obtained from either a small prick of the ear, or blood taken from an artery in the wrist. It is different from the blood test that is normally taken from the arm). This test measures the gases in the blood and will show if the patient has low levels of oxygen in the blood
- performing walk tests to examine if blood oxygen levels decrease on different levels of exertion
- giving advice and information on the condition, and treatments available
- referral to other agencies that may be beneficial to the patient, with their consent
Additionally, for both existing and new home oxygen therapy users, we will:
- order home oxygen therapy
- provide education, advice and information on home oxygen therapy
- act as a source of home oxygen therapy support
- provide regular follow ups, the frequency of which will be explained at their appointment with their doctor or specialist