Key result
Inpatient supplemental oxygen was administered as prescribed to only 44% of patients (90 of 206), as ward rotameters inaccurately delivered only 15% to 40% of the indicated flow rates.
Why the study?
How accurate is inpatient supplemental oxygen administration compared to the prescribed dose?
How accurate is inpatient supplemental oxygen administration compared to the prescribed dose?
Inpatient oxygen administration is frequently inaccurate, highlighting a need for better monitoring and equipment calibration.
The accuracy of supplemental oxygen delivery was assessed in two medical units. Only 90 of 206 patients (44%) were receiving oxygen as prescribed. The ward oxygen rotameters were inaccurate at normal clinical flow rates, the range of flows being delivered as a percentage of the indicated flow varying from 15% at 8 l/min to 40% at 1 and 2 l/min.
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Jeffrey et al. (1989) studied this question. Inpatient supplemental oxygen was administered as prescribed to only 44% of patients (90 of 206), as ward rotameters inaccurately delivered only 15% to 40% of the indicated flow rates.
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