Why prescribe short-burst oxygen?

doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45970

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2007;45:70-72; doi:10.1136/dtb.2007.45970

Why prescribe short-burst oxygen?

Relevant BNF section: 3.6

In previous reviews of domiciliary oxygen therapy, we have commentedon the lack of evidence to justify use of short-burst oxygentherapy, which is expensive and can be difficult to withdrawfrom patients once they are established on it.^1,2 For thesereasons, we concluded that short-burst oxygen therapy shouldnot be started without objective evidence of benefit for theindividual patient, and its use should be under the supervisionof a specialist. In February 2006, the supply process for allforms of home oxygen in England and Wales was changed, withthe aim of giving patients more appropriate treatment throughproper clinical assessment and correct ordering and monitoringof oxygen therapy.³ Here we reassess the role of short-burstoxygen therapy within these new supply arrangements.