Authors: (including presenting author): :
Fung ML (1), Tsang KY (1), Lau WL (1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Occupational Therapy, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Home oxygen therapy
Keyword 2: :
Community Occupational Therapy
Introduction: :
Home oxygen therapy (HOT) became a common non-pharmacological intervention for patients with severe pulmonary disease in Hong Kong since 1990s to facilitate community-based care. It benefits survival, organ functions, neuropsychological function, exercise, and activities of daily living performance; improve symptoms and quality of life.
In Hong Kong, patients mainly rent or purchase the HOT equipment such as home oxygen concentrator (HOC), portable oxygen cylinders and portable oxygen concentrator (POC) from licensed providers. Since 2009, community occupational therapy (COT) under Kowloon Hospital provided HOT follow-up program at 3rd, 9th and 18th months after installation of HOT to review the treatment effectiveness and promoting compliance. With the emergence of various readily accessible HOT equipment in local and online market, our therapist initiated to revisit the types and performance of the HOT equipment to ensure our cases receive appropriate treatment.
Objectives: :
To review the prevalence of different types of HOT equipment used by the cases under KH COT HOT follow-up program. To explore the safety standards and performance, maintenance and back up service of the HOT equipment.
Methodology: :
A retrospective COT HOT follow-up review in 2025 was conducted. Mode of obtaining the HOT equipment, types of HOT equipment, flow rate and oxygen purity of the HOC were reviewed in the period.
Result & Outcome: :
Among the 150 cases, around 11% (n=16) were using oxygen devices, either HOC or POC, purchased via online shops instead of licensed home oxygen providers in Hong Kong. 6.6% (n=10) purchased HOC, 8.6% (n=13) purchased POC, 0.6% (n=1) purchased compressed portable oxygen tank, 0.6% (n=1) purchased oxygen pillow with uncertain safety and performance standards, and without maintenance service via online shop. Upon COT onsite checking, the flow rate of these HOC was accurate. However, the oxygen purity of these HOC ranged from 25.8% to 95% indicating a vast variation of these HOC performance. Conclusion
Considering the fast emerge of various types, easily accessible, relatively low price, and variation in performance of HOT equipment in market, periodic medical or HOT follow-up after prescription is crucial to ensure the selection of appropriate HOT equipment; increase patient’s understanding on HOT equipment safety and potential risks of lacking maintenance and local emergency backup.
