Prepare for Winter Respiratory Conditions
The strain of respiratory conditions on the NHS
Every Winter brings challenges for the NHS, and last flu season was the worst in 10 years with over 5,000 flu-related hospital admissions[1]. When flu affects the population, it affects the workforce too, leading to staff sickness and absence which not only reduces the availability of staff but also increases the demand for medical attention.
Combining this with the current staff shortages and increasing pressures, the Department of Health is looking at a delivery plan. This includes the need to speed up discharge from hospitals, to help reduce the numbers of beds occupied by patients ready to be discharged.
Increased hospital admissions for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
“For patients with COPD, insufficient respiratory effort and/or inadequate alveolar ventilation, in a setting of uncontrolled oxygen delivery (where the precise Fio2 is unknown) can result in dangerous levels of both oxygen and carbon dioxide.”[2]
COPD patients are at higher risk of oxygen-induced hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can cause serious complications in COPD patients and delay discharge.
Utilising automated oxygen titration, such as FreeO2, reduces the risk of hypercapnia by improving optimum oxygen saturation levels. This not only reduces the load on staff, but also reduces the length of stay for the patients.
Why FreeO2?
FreeO2 is simple & easy to use. Training on the product can be completed by watching an 8 minute video, so staff are not taken away from daily duties for hours at a time.
FreeO2's algorithms take into account various factors, such as the patient's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation trends, and other clinical parameters, to make accurate and personalised adjustments to the oxygen delivery. The system can automatically titrate the oxygen flow rate, ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate amount of oxygen at all times.
Don’t leave it until flu season.
Book a two-week trial today to see the benefits for yourself.