title: A wolf in sheep's clothing? Patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions of oxygen therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite emerging evidence and guidelines, poor prescribing and administration of oxygen therapy persists. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and patients' perceptions of oxygen.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews with 28 patients and 34 HCPs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three master themes uncovered: oxygen as a panacea, the burden of oxygen and antecedents to beliefs. Patients used oxygen for breathlessness and as an enabler; they were grateful to oxygen and accepted it as part of the disease. HCPs used oxygen because it helps patients; it works; and it makes HCPs feel better. But oxygen is not benign and a burden is evident with potential antecedents to beliefs revealed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that a set of fixed beliefs regarding oxygen exist, influenced by several impacting factors. The perception that oxygen is a universal remedy presides, but is, at times, contradictory. These findings will raise awareness of entrenched cultures, influence future educational and research strategies, and inform policy.
authors.affiliation: Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK.
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK.
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lynes
authors.affiliation: Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK.
authors.forename: Mary R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.affiliation: Edge Hill University and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D000071066:Patient Reported Outcome Measures; D010465:Perception / Q000941:ethics*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057566:Self Report; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: COPD; healthcare professionals; oxygen; perceptions