Health Practitioners’ Knowledge of Safe Oxygen Therapy: A Scoping Review

Proper management of oxygen therapy is essential to ensure patient safety, as incorrect use can be harmful and have serious consequences. The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature on health care practitioners’ knowledge of safe oxygen therapy in hospitals. Conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the PRISMA-ScR extension, the review included articles that answered the following question: What knowledge do health care professionals working in a hospital setting have about the available evidence for safe oxygen therapy? The search strategy identified 904 references, and after exclusions, the final sample included 25 publications. Health care practitioners’ knowledge was primarily assessed via questionnaires (68%, no. = 17), with an additional 28% (no. = 7) of studies analyzing practitioners’ attitudes and practices. The main knowledge gaps identified were related to the indications and/or contraindications of oxygen therapy (52%, no. = 13), oxygenation targets in different clinical settings (44%, no. = 11), and patient monitoring (40%, no. = 10). In addition, 36% (no. = 9) of the studies identified issues with prescribing, administering, and/or discontinuing therapy. Overall, the studies indicated that health care practitioners’ main knowledge gaps regarding oxygen therapy were related to oxygenation and monitoring goals, indications and/or contraindications for oxygen supplementation, and the proper prescription, administration, and discontinuation of therapy. The findings suggest that implementing protocols and training based on clinical practice guidelines could contribute to a safer and more effective administration of oxygen therapy.