Perceived Satisfaction With Long-Term Oxygen Delivery Devices Affects Perceived Mobility and Quality of Life of Oxygen-Dependent Individuals With COPD

Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand clinical practice guideline on adult home oxygen therapy

This Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Guideline on the provision of home oxygen therapy in adults updates a previous Guideline from 2015. The Guideline is based upon a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to September 2022 and the strength of recommendations is based on GRADE methodology. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is recommended for its mortality benefit for patients with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases who have consistent evidence of significant hypoxaemia at rest (PaO2 ≤ 55 mm Hg or PaO2 ≤59 mm Hg in the presence of hypoxaemic sequalae) while in a stable state. Evidence does not support the use of LTOT for patients with COPD who have moderate hypoxaemia or isolated nocturnal hypoxaemia. In the absence of hypoxaemia, there is no evidence that oxygen provides greater palliation of breathlessness than air. Evidence does not support the use of supplemental oxygen therapy during pulmonary rehabilitation in those with COPD and exertional desaturation but normal resting arterial blood gases. Both positive and negative effects of LTOT have been described, including on quality of life. Education about how and when to use oxygen therapy in order to maximize its benefits, including the use of different delivery devices, expectations and limitations of therapy and information about hazards and risks associated with its use are key when embarking upon this treatment.

Perception and Impact of Long-Term Oxygen Therapy on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Patients With Chronic Respiratory Disease: A Mixed-Method Study

Introduction In patients with severe chronic pulmonary diseases, there is often a need for oxygen therapy to continue after discharge from hospitalization. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been shown to significantly reduce mortality in such patients and improve longevity by helping to correct oxygen deficiency in the bloodstream and prevent organ failure and the development of cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure). Therefore, considering the sociocultural background of India, the objective of the present study was to evaluate patients' perceptions of LTOT using semi-structured interviews, to evaluate patients' perceptions of activities and participation, and to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with LTOT. Methodology A mixed-method study was performed at a tertiary care hospital for six months. Twenty-four chronic respiratory patients were included in the present study. The patients' perception was evaluated about LTOT using semi-structured interviews, activities, and participation using a validated activity and participation checklist and the QOL of patients with LTOT using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Results Twenty-four patients were interviewed and transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for activity and participation along with QOL. The mean age of the patients involved was 58.5 ± 9.54 years, which involved a maximum of male patients consisting of 13 (54.2%) in comparison to female patients. The duration of oxygen use in months was 31.4 ± 29.4, the daily oxygen usage in hours was 17.3 ± 6.6, and the oxygen flow rate (L/min) was found to be 2.3 ± 0.97 at rest and 3.6 ± 1.4 on activity. In addition, the oxygen use by the patients was preferable as prescribed by 15 (62.5%) patients. Patients' perspectives on LTOT demonstrated that 10 (41.7%) patients perceived oxygen as relieving symptoms while most patients used oxygen during walking indoors activity involving 22 patients (91.7%), with 17 (77.3%) reporting improved ability and five (22.7%) facing obstacles. Instrumental activities involving walking shorter distances (less than 1 km) involved a high usage of oxygen with 20 patients (83.3%) using it, where 15 (75%) found it beneficial, three (15%) encountered obstacles, and two (10%) noted no effect from its use. Social interaction found that only one patient (4.20%) used oxygen at work, finding it helpful, but the majority, 20 (83.4%), did not go to work at all. Moreover, oxygen usage during transportation reported that travel using private vehicles involved a maximum of patients (16, 66.7%). Furthermore, for inquiries related to QOL, the results demonstrated that for the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF, consisting of physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment, the mean values were found to be 48.33 ±10.66, 54.79 ± 13.7, 55.75 ±11.1, and 60.25 ± 12.6, respectively. Conclusion LTOT has been perceived to be a life-saving intervention by majority of the chronic respiratory disease patients of increased severity. Patients experienced various issues in daily activities and participation, which have affected their QOL. Overall, a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the purpose, dosage, benefit, and usage of oxygen therapy was found to be evident and needs to be focused.

Life-Space Mobility of Subjects With COPD on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Delivered by Non-Portable Devices

BACKGROUND

Mobility is human body movement in all its forms, including bed-to-chair transfer, walking, daily tasks, participating in work and social functions, exercising, and using public transport. The mobility of people living with COPD is affected negatively by the disease symptoms. However, limited data are available on the life-space mobility in people with COPD on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). This study aimed to explore the life-space mobility in subjects with COPD on LTOT and verify whether life-space mobility is associated with comorbidities and symptoms, activity in daily life, exercise capacity performance, and quality of life.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 61 subjects with COPD on LTOT (73.0 ± 8.8 y, FEV1 41.7 ± 16.0% predicted, on LTOT for 2.8 ± 3.3 y). Life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment), LTOT usage time, comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index), need for support from a caregiver, exercise capacity (6-min step test), dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council scale), activities of daily living (ADLs, Katz scale), and health-related quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire) were assessed.

RESULTS

Mobility restriction was identified in 90% of participants. Life-space mobility was negatively associated with the number of comorbidities (rs = -0.31, P = .02), dyspnea symptom (rs = -0.60, P < .001), and positively associated with basic ADLs performance (rs = 0.59, P < .001) and exercise capacity (rs = 0.49, P < .001). Dyspnea and exercise capacity were independent predictors of vital space mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with COPD on LTOT had limited life-space mobility. Interventions to reduce dyspnea and improve exercise capacity should be prioritized to increase this population's domestic and community mobility.

Burden and Unmet Needs with Portable Oxygen in Patients on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

Rationale: Over 1.5 million Americans receive long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for the treatment of chronic hypoxemia to optimize functional status and quality of life. However, current portable oxygen equipment, including portable gas tanks (GTs), portable liquid tanks (LTs), and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), each have limitations that can hinder patient mobility and daily activities. Objectives: To examine patient experiences with portable oxygen to guide equipment innovation and thereby improve patient care on oxygen therapy. Methods: The burden and unmet needs with portable oxygen equipment were assessed in 836 LTOT patients with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension) through an online survey. The survey included a combination of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, short-answer, and open-ended questions. Distribution was achieved through patient support organizations, including the U.S. COPD Coalition, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Results: Improvements in portability were ranked as the highest priority by patients across all equipment types, followed by increases in the duration of oxygen supply for GTs, accessibility for LTs, and flow capabilities for POCs. All device types were found to be burdensome, with the greatest burden among GT users, 51% of whom characterized GT use as "strenuous" or "extremely strenuous" (high burden). POCs ranked as the most common (61%) and least burdensome devices; however, 29% of POC users still reported a high associated burden. Forty-seven percent of POC respondents described using a POC despite it not meeting their oxygen needs to benefit from advantages over alternative equipment. Among non-POC users, limited oxygen flow rate capabilities and cost were the top reasons preventing POC use. Conclusions: Although improvements have been made to portable oxygen equipment, this study highlights the burden that remains and reveals a clear need for advances in technology to improve the functional status and quality of life of portable LTOT users.

Subject Preferences and Psychological Implications of Portable Oxygen Concentrator Versus Compressed Oxygen Cylinder in Chronic Lung Disease

BACKGROUND

Oxygen therapy represents the elective therapy to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and interstitial lung disease. Lightweight portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a valid alternative to traditional systems such as portable compressed oxygen cylinders. However, patient preference and the possible psychological implications related to the use of both devices have been poorly assessed. We sought to evaluate patient preference between the ambulatory oxygen systems (ie, a POC or a small cylinder) for patients with COPD and interstitial lung disease experiencing exertional desaturation in a rehabilitation setting. Furthermore, the use of one device in comparison with the other was related to specific mechanical characteristics and related to perceived quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

30 subjects with COPD and interstitial lung disease, who demonstrated exertional desaturation on room air during 6-min walk test (6MWT), were recruited. Each subject performed 2 6MWTs, in random order: one breathing oxygen via a POC and one with a portable compressed oxygen cylinder. Both devices were set up to ensure oxyhemoglobin saturation between 92% and 95% during the 6MWTs. All subjects completed a questionnaire assessing anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Each device was randomly assigned to each subject for 1 week, and then replaced with the other in the following week. At the end of the trial period, all subjects completed a questionnaire evaluating several aspects of the oxygen therapy devices.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in oxygen saturation or the mean distances achieved during the 6MWTs between the 2 portable oxygen devices. The subjects expressed greater preference for the POC (73.3%), basing their choice mainly on ease of transport and lower weight. Subjects' age also correlated with preferences: younger subjects were more negatively focused on the weight of the portable compressed oxygen cylinder, whereas older subjects considered the POC easier to manage. No significant differences in preferences were present between COPD and interstitial lung disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The POC and the portable compressed oxygen cylinder performed in a comparable manner during 6MWT for subjects with COPD and interstitial lung disease and exertional desaturation. Subjects preferred the POC because it was associated with better mobility.

[Guideline for Long-Term Oxygen Therapy - S2k-Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society]

Long-term oxygen therapy is of great importance both for reducing mortality and for improving performance in patients with chronic lung diseases. The prerequisites for Long-term oxygen therapy are adequate diagnostics and clearly defined indication. A causal distinction into chronic hypoxaemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure is reasonable, from which the differential indication for non-invasive ventilation results.The revised guideline covers the diagnostics and indication of chronic lung and heart diseases, the role of oxygen in terminal illness and gives a detailed description of available oxygen devices. The guideline is intended to help avoid undersupply, oversupply and false prescriptions. Furthermore, the chapter "Postacute Oxygen Therapy" discusses the procedure, relevant in everyday life, but not yet clearly defined, for prescribing oxygen therapy for the home at the end of an inpatient stay. Another important point, the correct prescription of mobile oxygen systems, is also presented in the guideline. This document is a revised version of the guideline for longterm oxygen therapy and replaces the version of 2008.

Oxygen Indications and Utilization in a Diverse, Urban Community Setting

PURPOSE

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is widely used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions with severe hypoxemia, imposing a large financial burden on the American health care system.

METHODS

To better understand oxygen prescription and its use in a multiethnic community hospital, we completed a prospective, observational study with a survey design in our multicultural population to better recognize patient understanding of oxygen indications and utilization.

RESULTS

The survey was conducted at three outpatient pulmonary clinics. Among the 94 respondents (42% men and 58% women; age 71.8 ± 13 yr), 64% were current or former smokers. Sixty-one percent had primary diagnoses other than COPD, most commonly interstitial lung disease and congestive heart failure. One-third used oxygen for <12 hr daily. Oxygen use was variable among those to whom it was prescribed. Thirty-two percent of patients described themselves as noncompliant with their prescribed therapy due to poor equipment ergonomics, burdensome machine weight, and negative self-image and social stigma when using oxygen.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represented <50% of LTOT patients who were surveyed. Our data suggest that more structured prescribing practices and patient education should be studied if compliance is to be increased.

Optimizing Home Oxygen Therapy. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report

More than 1.5 million adults in the United States use supplemental oxygen for a variety of respiratory disorders to improve their quality of life and prolong survival. This document describes recommendations from a multidisciplinary workshop convened at the ATS International Conference in 2017 with the goal of optimizing home oxygen therapy for adults. Ideal supplemental oxygen therapy is patient-specific, provided by a qualified clinician, includes an individualized prescription and therapeutic education program, and offers oxygen systems that are safe, promote mobility, and treat hypoxemia. Recently, patients and clinicians report a growing number of problems with home oxygen in the United States. Oxygen users experience significant functional, mechanical, and financial problems and a lack of education related to their oxygen equipment-problems that impact their quality of life. Health care providers report a lack of readily accessible resources needed to prescribe oxygen systems correctly and efficiently. Patients with certain lung diseases are affected more than others because of physically unmanageable or inadequate portable systems. Analysis is needed to quantify the unintended impact that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Competitive Bidding Program has had on patients receiving supplemental oxygen from durable medical equipment providers. Studies using effectiveness and implementation research designs are needed to develop and evaluate new models for patient education, identify effective ways for stakeholders to interface, determine the economic benefit of having respiratory therapists perform in-home education and follow-up testing, and collaborate with technology companies to improve portable oxygen devices. Generation of additional evidence of the benefit of supplemental oxygen across the spectrum of advanced lung diseases and the development of clinical practice guidelines should both be prioritized.

Clinician Strategies to Improve the Care of Patients Using Supplemental Oxygen

This article reviews four key clinician strategies to improve the care of adult patients receiving supplemental oxygen in the outpatient setting in the United States. The current barriers to adequate oxygen services are substantial and complex and include decreased reimbursement to durable medical equipment (DME) companies; a substantially lower number of available DME suppliers; difficult communication with DME suppliers; rigid patient testing, prescription, and documentation requirements; and unclear patient benefit and adherence. Recent data documenting frequent and varied problems reflect the significant impact of supplemental oxygen therapy on patients and caregivers. Areas where clinicians can improve patient oxygen experiences are highlighted in this review and include understanding Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oxygen prescription requirements, matching oxygen equipment to patient needs, providing essential patient education, and understanding mechanisms for patients and clinicians to report unresolved oxygen problems.

Assessment of Self-Management Treatment Needs Among COPD Helpline Callers

Telephone quitlines are an effective population-based strategy for smoking cessation, particularly among individuals with tobacco-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Expanding quitline services to provide COPD-focused self-management interventions is potentially beneficial; however, data are needed to identify specific treatment needs in this population. We conducted a telephone-based survey (N = 5,772) to examine educational needs, behavioral health characteristics, and disease-related interference among individuals with COPD who received services from the American Lung Association (ALA) Lung Helpline. Most participants (73.7%) were interested in COPD-focused information, and few had received prior instruction in breathing exercises (33.9%), energy conservation (26.5%), or airway clearing (32.1%). About one-third of participants engaged in regular exercise, 16.3% followed a special diet, and 81.4% were current smokers. Most participants (78.2%) reported COPD-related interference in daily activities and 30.8% had been hospitalized within the past six months for their breathing. Nearly half of participants (45.4%) reported current symptoms of anxiety or depression. Those with vs. without anxiety/depression had higher rates of COPD-related interference (83.9% vs. 73.5%, p < .001) and past six-month hospitalization (33.4% vs. 28.3%, p < .001). In conclusion, this survey identified strong interest in disease-focused education; a lack of prior instruction in specific self-management strategies for COPD; and behavioral health needs in the areas of exercise, diet, and smoking cessation. Anxiety and depression symptoms were common and associated with greater disease burden, underscoring the importance of addressing coping with negative emotions. Implications for self-management treatments that target multiple behavioral needs of COPD patients are discussed.

Comparison of continuous flow versus demand oxygen delivery systems in patients with COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Demand oxygen delivery systems (DODS) enable prolongation of liquid oxygen cylinder life compared to continuous oxygen flow (CONT) use. Evidence is lacking, however, regarding their efficacy. This study investigated the literature comparing liquid-based CONT to DODS in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Four electronic databases were searched from 1980 until January 2018. Primary outcomes were oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO₂ %) at rest and during exercise and exercise performance. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool. Data were analysed via meta-analysis where possible using the generic inverse variance method in Revman 5.3 or narrative synthesis. Ten crossover trials involving 152 patients with moderate to severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁ ) range: 27-42% predicted) were included. There was a large degree of uncertainty regarding potential bias related to allocation concealment and blinding for all studies. Data from three studies (n = 44) showed no significant differences between DODS and CONT in terms of SpO₂ % at rest -0.2% (95% CI: -0.5% to 0.1%) or during exercise -0.3% (95% CI: -2.1% to 1.5%). The pooled mean difference of two studies (n = 56) in 6-min walk distance was 5.7 m (95% CI: -14.4 to 25.8 m). Findings were consistent between the meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. These findings from a limited number of studies suggest oxygen delivery via DODS or CONT confers similar effects in terms of SpO₂ % or exercise performance in patients with COPD. However, as DODS devices use various specifications that may yield large intra-individual differences, individual SpO₂ % testing appears advisable for those considering DODS use.

Nonpharmacological therapies for interstitial lung disease

A PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) cause unpredictable degrees of fibrosis and inflammation in the lungs leading to functional decline and varying symptom burden for patients. Some patients may live for years and be responsive to therapy and others disease trajectory may be shorter and similar to patients with lung cancer. This ultimately affects the patient's quality of life as well as their caregiver(s).

B RECENT FINDINGS

Nonpharmacological therapies play an important role in treatment of interstitial lung disease. These include symptom management, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and palliative care. While ILDs are associated with high morbidity and mortality, different models of care exist globally. New tools help clinicians identify and address palliative care needs in daily practice and specialty nurses and ILD centers can optimize care.

C SUMMARY

This paper provides an overview of nonpharmacological therapies available for patients with interstitial lung disease.