Real-World Outcomes of a Specialized Clinic for Ambulatory Oxygen Therapy Assessment and Optimization
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT) is widely prescribed for patients with exertional oxygen desaturation. Clinical practice regarding its indication, device selection, and follow-up remains heterogeneous. This study aimed to describe the implementation and management outcomes of a specialized AOT optimization clinic and to characterize referral patterns, prescription decisions, device adjustments, and treatment uptake in a real-world clinical setting. Material and methods: We conducted a single-centre observational study in a specialized nurse-led AOT optimization clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Consecutive patients referred for AOT initiation or reassessment of previously prescribed therapy were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent a standardized assessment including evaluation of oxygen requirements and device suitability. Follow-up was performed to assess clinical decisions, AOT non-continuation, and device use. Results: A total of 317 patients were referred (mean age 73.7±12.7 years; 53.1% male). The most common diagnoses were COPD (34.3%), oncological disease (22.3%), and interstitial lung disease (23.4%). Among patients referred for AOT initiation (65.9%), AOT was prescribed in 120 (57.4%). The remaining 34.1% were referred for reassessment. At the last recorded assessment, 120 (41.1%) continued AOT, 21 (7.2%) required therapeutic adjustment, 100 (34.2%) discontinued AOT or had no indication for continued therapy, and 42 (14.4%) had died. Conclusions: A structured nurse-led AOT clinic provides a standardized framework for comprehensive patient assessment, individualized device selection, optimization, and systematic follow-up. In this cohort, structured reassessment frequently resulted in treatment discontinuation or modification. Further comparative studies are needed to determine its impact on patient-centred outcomes, healthcare utilization, and cost-effectiveness.
Source: Open Respiratory Archives
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,060
OpenAlex ID: W7222918160