Reducing unnecessary Oxygen use Project: Impact on oxygen weaning time, hospital consumption, and revenue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i5.1089Keywords:
Oxygen Inhalation Therapies; Hospital Administration; Economic Evaluation; Oxygen; Value-Based Health Care.Abstract
Introduction: Oxygen therapy consists of administering oxygen at concentrations greater than 21% to ensure adequate arterial oxygenation levels and prevent tissue hypoxia. In patients with acute illnesses, excessive oxygenation levels should be avoided, and administration is recommended according to the target saturation range specific to each clinical condition. Objective: To assess the impact of a conscious oxygen use program in a private hospital in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Prospective study conducted between March and August 2023. The REDOX Project implemented four axes: visual indication of the target saturation range, auditing of clinical relevance and billing, multidisciplinary continuing education, and use of a digital flowmeter. Hospital O₂ consumption, weaning time, billing, and return on investment (ROI) were analyzed. Results: Implementation cost R$13,127 over three months. There was a reduction of 2,908 m³ in O₂ consumption (10.3%), a reduction of R$ 4,401.17 in the gloss rate (79.5%), an increase of R$ 49,461 in revenue (202%) and an improvement in weaning time (66h vs 30h). ROI was 1.030% with a payback of 0.27 months (8 days). Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in O₂ consumption and gloss rate, an increase in revenue and a 36-hour improvement in weaning time, demonstrating the economic and clinical viability of the project.
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