[High prevalence of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy with a low percentage of inappropriate prescription in the Madrid health care area. Evaluation of the correct use].
The efficacy of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (DOT) has been confirmed in patients who comply with guidelines; however, the prevalence in different populations varies greatly although no satisfactory explanation has been found for this.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of inappropriate use of DOT in the health care area of the Community of Madrid, where demographic and health care features are well-defined.


METHODS
Descriptive, transversal population study enrolling all patients with DOT in our health care area over a period of one year (May 1995 to Mayo 1995). Inappropriate use was defined as characterized by at least one of the following conditions: inappropriate prescription, poor compliance or continued smoking.


RESULTS
The total number of patients was 860, the prevalence of DOT use being 178.3 per 100,000 inhabitants for the period. Ninety-three refused to participate. Nearly half the patients ha been using oxygen therapy for over two years. Seventy percent were followed by pneumologists. Seventy-four percent were men, with a mean age of 70 +/- 9 yr. Criteria for prescription were not followed in 9.7% of the cases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the reason for prescribing DOT in 59.7%. Use was appropriate in 719 cases. Use was inappropriate in 337 (46.9%), related to poor compliance in 60.5%, current smoking in 11%, and inappropriate prescription in 5.6% and for more than one criterion in 22.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of DOT use in our health care area is very high. The percentage of inappropriate use is high, although similar to that of other populations, and highly related to poor compliance. The percentage of inappropriate prescription is low. Possible reasons for the high prevalence are discussed.
Cienfuegos Agustín
I
I
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid.
Martín Escribano
P
P
López Encuentra
A
A
Salama Benoniel
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors