AN EVALUATION OF THE USE OF CONCENTRATORS FOR DOMICILIARY OXYGEN-SUPPLY FOR LESS-THAN 8H DAY(-1)

Since their introduction in 1985, oxygen concentrators have only been recommended when domiciliary oxygen is used for over 8 h day(-1). Subs equent changes in the prices of oxygen merit a reappraisal of the pres cribing of concentrators and cylinders when oxygen is used for less th an 8 h day(-1). Twenty-six patients in two health districts who used o xygen for less than 8 h day(-1) completed a crossover study in which e ach group received oxygen from each source for consecutive 3-month per iods. The patients were visited at home before and during the study, a nd on each visit they completed a questionnaire asking about their use of oxygen, how acceptable they found the two sources and about severa l dimensions of their quality of life. The theoretical minimum cost of cylinder supply, the actual cost of cylinder supply and the average c oncentrator costs were assessed. The patients found the concentrators to be more acceptable, more useful and less obtrusive than cylinders. They used more oxygen in more rooms of the home during treatment with concentrators, and there were improvements in the quality-of-life meas urements. The costing information showed that, both in theory and in p ractice, oxygen concentrators are cheaper than cylinders when oxygen i s used for more than about 1.4 h day(-1). These results suggest that t he provisions for the supply of domiciliary oxygen should be reviewed and that concentrators should be recommended for patients who use more than around 1.4 h day(-1).