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Harper, J., Kearns, N., Bird, G., McLachlan, R., Eathorne, A., Weatherall, M. and Beasley, R. (2021) Audit of Oxygen Administration to Achieve a Target Oxygen Saturation Range in Acutely Unwell Medical Patients. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 98, 461-465.
https://doi.org/10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139511

has been cited by the following article:

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

  AUTHORS: E. A. Akazie, M. J. Mpe

  KEYWORDS: Oxygen, Targets, Devices, Flow Rates

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases, Vol.12 No.3, August 12, 2022

  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.