Despite the introduction of Oxygen Alert Cards, guidelines and audits, oxygen therapy remains overused in NHS practice, and this may lead to iatrogenic mortality. This pilot study aimed to examine the use of Oxygen Alert Wristbands (OxyBand) designed to alert health professionals who are delivering oxygen to patients to ensure that the oxygen is administered and titrated safely to the appropriate target saturations. Patients at risk of hypercapnic acidosis were asked to wear OxyBands while presenting to paramedics and health professionals in hospitals. Inappropriate prescription of oxygen reduced significantly after the OxyBands were used. A questionnaire-based assessment showed that the clinicians involved had a good understanding of the risks of uncontrolled oxygen. Forty-two patients found the wrist band comfortable to wear, and only two did not. OxyBands may have the potential to improve patient safety over Oxygen Alert Cards.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder; Hypercapnia; Hyperoxaemia; OxyBand; Oxygen.