Introduction: Oxygen therapy is a key component in the management of advanced respiratory disease. Traditionally, long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) assessment required multiple hospital attendances to establish and titrate. The COVID-19 pandemic required transfer of this to the community. We evaluated our nurse-led domiciliary LTOT assessment using the iSTAT (Abbot, USA) point of care capillary blood analyser.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of a North Glasgow respiratory patient database was performed between 2021 and 2023. 98 patients who required LTOT were assessed. We assessed baseline demographics, functional class, waiting times and reviewed patient feedback of the service. We assessed the most common referral source and the outcomes of the referrals.

Results: 98 patients required domiciliary assessment, 64 were female. Median age was 72-years (IQR: 65-78). The majority of patients had a primary diagnosis of COPD (n=80). All patients were MRC grade 4 (n=11) or 5 (n=87). The median time from referral to assessment was 10 days (IQR: 4-14[BH1] ). The main referral source was secondary care. Oxygen therapy was avoided in 43%, commenced in 18% and titrated at 33%. No adverse events occurred. Patient feedback demonstrated logistical, psychological and physical benefits.

Conclusion: In this functionally limited, vulnerable group, we have successfully transitioned to community-based model of oxygen assessment. The service was found to be safe, effective, and beneficial to patients. Further cost analysis is merited to ensure this is a cost effective and sustainable model of care.