The Questionnaire for Oxygen Therapy Evaluation (QuOTE): A Simple O2 Therapy Assessment

Background Despite the established use of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for chronic respiratory diseases, a simple tool to assess LTOT use, clinical effectiveness and side effects is not currently available. We therefore designed and developed the Questionnaire for Oxygen Therapy Evaluation (QuOTE). Methods Delphi methodology was used by a group of international respiratory specialists to identify the domains and questions to include in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was beta-tested by a group of patients using LTOT. Results In the first round, 13 clinical and academic respiratory clinicians agreed the domains to be included. Questions covered physical activity, dyspnoea, sleep quality, mental clarity, LTOT side effects, use patterns and equipment. Advantages and disadvantages of current tools, clinical assessment priorities for patients and clinicians and the caveats and advantages around length were discussed, further supported by the results of a confirmatory systematic literature review. 3 rounds of Delphi consensus method focused 18 questions to 9 questions. Usability tests for all but 3 patients reported the questionnaire was easy to understand, only 2 felt it was not quick and easy to complete and only 1 patient needed assistance to complete the 9 question QuOTE.