Audit of oxygen therapy target saturation documentation and adherence to guidelines in hospitalized patients in a medical ward

Background: Oxygen therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments in hospitalized patients. However, inappropriate oxygen administration can lead to serious complications, particularly in patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). International guidelines recommend prescribing oxygen with clearly defined target saturation ranges to optimize safety and effectiveness.
Aim: To evaluate compliance with documentation of oxygen therapy target saturation and adherence to recommended oxygen delivery ranges in a medical ward.
Methods:  A retrospective clinical audit was conducted involving 50 inpatients receiving oxygen therapy. Data were collected on documentation of target saturation, patient diagnosis (COPD vs non-COPD), and appropriateness of oxygen therapy based on guideline-recommended target ranges.
Results:  Target oxygen saturation was documented in 100% of patients. Among COPD patients (n=20), 60% received oxygen within the target range (88–92%), while 40% were over-oxygenated. Among non-COPD patients (n=30), 85% received appropriate oxygen therapy (94–98%), while 15% were under-oxygenated.
Conclusion:Although documentation compliance was excellent, adherence to target saturation ranges remains suboptimal, particularly in COPD patients, highlighting a gap between prescription and clinical practice.