Document resource
Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is provided in the home for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who present with resting hypoxaemia (SpO2 <88%, PaO2 <60 mm Hg (8 kPa)). In the USA, LTOT is provided to approximately 1.5 million adults at an annual cost of ~$2 billion.1 The evidence base for LTOT remains two landmark studies from four decades ago, demonstrating an apparent dose–response relationship between the daily duration of therapy and mortality.2 3 LTOT is commonly referred to as ‘home’ oxygen therapy which belies the fact that while the modality is provided in the home, the intent is to allow subjects mobility, a return to a more active life and travel outside the home.4