Survey on growing demand for portable oxygen therapy

Long-term oxygen therapy patients' needs for portable oxygen therapy equipment

In recent years, with the development of technology, the economic conditions of ordinary people have been continuously improved, and portable oxygen therapy has become more and more popular. In the United States, there are 1.5 million chronic hypoxemic patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), and a considerable number of them also use portable oxygen therapy equipment to improve quality of life.

Currently on the market, there are the following categories of portable oxygen therapy equipment: portable oxygen tank (GT), portable liquid oxygen tank (LT) and portable oxygen concentrator (POC).

Each of these devices has advantages and disadvantages, and some devices, due to their own characteristics, may interfere with the patient's activities and daily life.

In order to better evaluate the impact of these devices, the purpose of this special survey is to understand the experience of patients using portable oxygen therapy devices, in order to guide the innovation of devices, so as to improve the level of care of oxygen therapy patients.

Research methods

Through an online survey, 836 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension requiring LTOT were evaluated for possible problems and unmet needs when using portable oxygen therapy equipment. The survey included multiple-choice questions and a Likert scale. Short answer and open-ended questions. Questionnaires were distributed through patient organizations, including the American COPD Alliance, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, and the Pulmonary Hypertension Society.

Survey results:

Among all device types, the highest priority for patients was the improvement of portability, followed by concerns about the oxygen supply time of the oxygen tank (GT). Availability of Liquid Oxygen Tanks (LT) and Size of Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) Flow Capability. Discover that all types of portable devices have their share of concerns. Oxygen tank (GT) users were the most concerned, with 51% describing the use of oxygen tanks as "struggling" or "extremely strenuous" (high burden).

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) were rated as the most commonly used (61%) and least concerned device; however, 29% of portable oxygen concentrator (POC) users still expressed a high degree of Concerns; 47% of POC users said they continued to use POC even though it did not fully meet their oxygen needs because the convenience it provided far outweighed other alternatives. in patients not using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

Among them, the limited oxygen flow and high cost of portable oxygen concentrators are the primary reasons that hinder their use.

Research conclusion:

Although portable oxygen therapy equipment has been improved, the survey found that patients who use the equipment still have widespread concerns, and oxygen production technology needs to be further improved, especially the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) needs to further increase the output oxygen flow. functionality, while reducing costs, to meet the oxygen needs of portable LTOT recipients and improve their quality of life.