Avoid discharging patients with new oxygen therapy without scheduling a follow-up appointment within a short period of time to verify the continued need for oxygen therapy

Rationale:

Hypoxia often improves as patients recover from acute illness, and prolonged oxygen therapy may cause unnecessary inconvenience and risk. When prescribing oxygen, a plan should be established to reassess the need within three months after discharge. Evidence-based criteria should guide the decision on whether long-term oxygen therapy is necessary in a stable phase. 

References:

• Suntharalingam J, Wilkinson T, Annandale J, et al. British Thoracic Society quality standards for home oxygen use in adults. BMJ Open Resp Res 2017;4:e000223. doi:10.1136/ bmjresp-2017-000223
• O'Driscoll BR, Howard LS, Earis J on behalf of the British Thoracic Society Emergency Oxygen Guideline Group, et al BTS guideline for oxygen use in adults in healthcare and emergency settings Thorax 2017;72:ii1-ii90.
• MacNee W. Prescription of oxygen: still problems after all these years. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;172:517–22.