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Oxygen therapy use and barriers among doctors and nurses
, Nnamdi Ikechukwu Nwosu1, Ikechukwu Paul Nlewedim1, Udeh Chukwuemeka Frankline1, Agu Felix Chukwudi1, Nnakenyi Emeka Francis2, Okafor Micheal Tochukwu3, Onyebuchukwu Chiamaka Queenet1, Ofodum Ginika Winifred4, Emmanuel Chukwudi Ejim1, Cajetan Chigozie Onyedum1, Chukwuka Judith Chinwe1
*Corresponding author: Adaobi Genevieve Obiefuna, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. adaobiefuna@gmail.com
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Obiefuna AG, Nwosu NI, Nlewedim IP, Frankline UC, Chukwudi AF, Francis NE, et al. Oxygen therapy use and barriers among doctors and nurses. J Pan Afr Thorac Soc. 2025:6:39-46. doi: 10.25259/JPATS_11_2025
Abstract
Objectives:
Healthcare providers often prescribe and administer oxygen inappropriately in emergency settings, contributing to a significant knowledge gap. This can have devastating consequences, with at least 1.4million deaths attributed to inadequate or improper oxygen therapy. We aimed to evaluate the use of oxygen therapy & its barriers among doctors and nurses.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive, hospital-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected electronically via Google Forms; the questionnaire included professional characteristics, educational background, awareness and use of oxygen therapy guidelines, oxygen delivery practices, and barriers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the association between variables was explored using the Chi-square test at P<0.05.
Results:
200 healthcare professionals participated in this study, comprising 159 (79.5%) doctors and 41 (20.5%) nurses. One hundred and thirty-one (82.4%) doctors and thirty-six (87.8%) nurses demonstrated good knowledge of oxygen therapy, p - 0.002. 145 (72.5%) of participants were evaluated as having a good level of practice. The majority, 190 (95%), believed that malfunctioning oxygen cylinders and concentrators were barriers to the adequate use of oxygen therapy. 170 (85.5%) had no special training in oxygen therapy. 63 (31.5%) were aware of oxygen therapy guidelines, but only 53 (26.5%) had applied these guidelines.
Conclusion:
Doctors and nurses demonstrate a good knowledge and practice of oxygen therapy; however, a training gap exists. To bridge this gap, regular educational programs on oxygen therapy based on the latest guidelines are essential to ensure best practices and optimal care.
Keywords
Doctors
Knowledge
Nurses
Oxygen
Practice
INTRODUCTION
Oxygen therapy is a necessary medical intervention; misuse can have negative effects.[1] Its prescription and administration continue to provide challenges. The previous research has shown that 63% of physicians in South America, Asia, and Africa do not provide oxygen supplementation properly because they lack adequate training.[1,2] Even though the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the World Health Organization have recommended oxygen therapy, many medical professionals prescribe and administer it incorrectly, particularly during emergencies.[1,3]
Improper use of oxygen causes at least 1.4 million deaths each year, increased risk of death, and longer hospital stays.[4,5] The BTS recommends maintaining an SPO2 level between 94% and 98% for most acutely ill patients or 88–92% for those at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, while the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand advises keeping SPO2 levels between 92% and 96%.[6]
Access to oxygen is a critical issue, with over 625,000 deaths annually due to hypoxemia-related diseases.[7] Although Nigeria has established oxygen plants, many are not operational, and hospitals often struggle with empty or malfunctioning oxygen cylinders and concentrators.[8]
Key challenges in oxygen therapy include a lack of training among healthcare professionals, inadequate prescription and administration, insufficient supplies and equipment, and the absence of local guidelines.[9] Best practices for oxygen therapy include: Prescribing oxygen with caution, especially in non-emergency situations, administering oxygen with proper equipment and monitoring, and using arterial blood gas analysis or pulse oximetry as needed.[1,8,10]
Effective oxygen therapy requires prompt and accurate diagnosis of hypoxemia, proper oxygen therapy, consistent monitoring and recording, and treatment of the underlying condition.[10]
Long-term oxygen therapy can improve survival in patients with persistent hypoxemia, and national and international organizations have established guidelines for its prescription.[11,12]
In sub-Saharan Africa, administering oxygen therapy is difficult due to a lack of infrastructure for oxygen delivery systems. The expertise and practice of experts play equally significant roles; therefore, the lack of infrastructure is not the sole issue. In 2016, a comprehensive analysis of oxygen delivery methods found no research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa. A follow-up study conducted in Nigeria revealed a lack of awareness of acute oxygen therapy (AOT). Guidelines for oxygen therapy are less well-known and used.[13]
Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and barriers to using oxygen therapy among nurses and doctors with a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
Research question
What is the level of knowledge, practice, and what are the perceived barriers to optimal oxygen therapy use among doctors and nurses caring for adult patients?
Inclusion criteria
Doctors and nurses who provide direct patient care
The study focus was on oxygen therapy use in adult patients (≥18 years old)
The participants must be willing to provide informed consent and complete the survey.
Exclusion criteria
Healthcare staff who don’t provide direct care, like administrators or researchers. On the other hand, healthcare workers who work exclusively with pediatric or neonatal patients were excluded.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design and setting
This descriptive, hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, from July 22 to September 26, 2022.
Participants and sampling
The study included consenting doctors and nurses, while other healthcare professionals were excluded. A convenience sampling technique was used, and data were collected electronically through a self-administered, validated, and structured questionnaire uploaded on Google Forms. This allowed data collection from a wide audience and a diverse group of healthcare professionals across different departments and settings. The questionnaire was forwarded to UNTH doctors’ and nurses’ WhatsApp groups, with 159 doctors and 41 nurses responding, yielding response rates of 35% and 11%, respectively.
Data collection and analysis
The questionnaire assessed professional characteristics, educational background, awareness, and use of oxygen therapy guidelines, indications, oxygen delivery practices, complications, and barriers to oxygen therapy use. Knowledge was evaluated using 10 structured questions, while practice was assessed using 15 structured questions. A Likert scale was used to assess knowledge, with scores ranging from 1 to 69. Participants with scores 1–40 were classified as having poor knowledge, while those with scores 41–69 were classified as having good knowledge.
Data analysis
Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 26. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and findings were represented with tables and graphs as appropriate. Descriptive statistics were used for the socio-demographic characteristics, information on training, prescription, and administration of oxygen therapy for the frequency and associations between the knowledge and practice of oxygen therapy among doctors and nurses. Previous exposure to formal oxygen therapy was explored with the Chi-square test at a P < 0.05 level of statistical significance.
Ethical considerations
The ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla. Verbal and written informed consent were obtained from the participants, and confidentiality was ensured throughout the study.
RESULTS
Primary outcome variables
The average scores for the knowledge, practice, and barrier questions among the participants were 83.5%, 72.5%, and 71.3%, respectively.
Socio-demographics of the participants
A total of 200 healthcare professionals participated in this study, with an average age of 36 years and a standard deviation of 8.2 years. Of the participants, 108 were female and 92 were male. 159 (79.5%) were doctors, and 41 (20.5%) were nurses. Years of practice ranged from ≤5 (29.5%) to ≥16 (21%). 122 (61.0%) participants have spent <5 years at their current hospital, while 10 (5%) have spent over 20 years. Table 1 shows more about the sociodemographics of the participants.
| Variable | Frequency (n=200) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | ||
| 24–30 | 44 | 22.0 |
| 31–40 | 101 | 50.5 |
| 41–50 | 42 | 21.0 |
| 51–64 | 13 | 6.5 |
| Mean | 36.0 | Standard deviation=8.2 |
| Gender | ||
| Female | 108 | 54.0 |
| Male | 92 | 46.0 |
| Profession | ||
| Doctor | 159 | 79.5 |
| Nurse | 41 | 20.5 |
| Years of practice after graduation | ||
| ≤5 | 59 | 29.5 |
| 6–10 | 52 | 26.0 |
| 11–15 | 47 | 23.5 |
| ≥16 | 42 | 21.0 |
| Duration of work in the current hospital | ||
| <5 years | 122 | 61.0 |
| 5–10 years | 39 | 19.5 |
| 11–15 years | 20 | 10.0 |
| 16–20 years | 9 | 4.5 |
| >20 years | 10 | 5.0 |
| Job cadre: For doctors (n=159) | ||
| Consultant | 19 | 11.9 |
| Senior Registrar | 60 | 37.7 |
| Registrar | 45 | 28.3 |
| Medical officer | 10 | 6.3 |
| House officer | 25 | 15.7 |
| Job cadre: For nurses (n=41) | ||
| Director of nursing service | 2 | 4.9 |
| Assistant director of nursing service | 8 | 19.5 |
| Chief nursing officer | 12 | 29.3 |
| Principal nursing officer | 3 | 7.3 |
| Senior nursing officer | 3 | 7.3 |
| Nursing officer 1 | 13 | 31.7 |
Association between the participants’ knowledge and different variables
Based on the association strength thresholds – values <0.1 indicating a very weak association, 0.1–0.3 a weak association, 0.3–0.5 a moderate association, and values >0.5 a strong association – the analysis, as presented in Table 2, reveals that the relationship between profession and frequency of prescribing oxygen demonstrates a moderate association. In contrast, all other examined variables exhibit only weak or very weak associations, suggesting they do not significantly influence knowledge levels.
| Variable pair | Chi-square (χ2) | Sample size (n) | Cremer’s V | Strength of association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge versus profession | 0.694 | 200 | 0.06 | Very weak |
| Knowledge versus years of practice | 1.138 | 200 | 0.08 | Very weak |
| Knowledge versus previous training | 2.270 | 200 | 0.11 | Weak |
| Knowledge versus last oxygen prescription | 17,262 | 84 | 0.45 | Moderate |
The correlation between years of practice after graduation and adherence to oxygen therapy practices
Table 3 shows a positive correlation between years of practice after graduation and adherence to oxygen therapy practices. Specifically:
| Years of practice | ≤5 | 6–10 | 11–15 | ≥20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked oxygen saturation (%) | 85 | 90 | 92 | 95 |
| Indicated oxygen regimen (%) | 70 | 78 | 80 | 85 |
| Indicated delivery method (%) | 75 | 89 | 82 | 85 |
| Observed precautions (%) | 20 | 25 | 22 | 28 |
| Monitored the patient’s response (%) | 80 | 85 | 88 | 90 |
| Attached humidification device (%) | 75 | 80 | 82 | 85 |
| Applied mouth care (%) | 85 | 90 | 92 | 95 |
| Looked for oxygen toxicity (%) | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 |
| Followed guidelines (%) | 55 | 60 | 62 | 65 |
Practitioners with more experience (≥16 years) consistently demonstrate higher adherence across all practice questions than those with fewer years of experience (≤5 years). The largest improvements with increased experience are seen in following oxygen therapy guidelines (from 55% to 65%), indicating that more experienced practitioners are more likely to adhere to established protocols. Checking oxygen saturation, indicating the oxygen regimen, delivery method, and monitoring patient response also show steady increases with experience, suggesting that these fundamental practices become more consistently applied as practitioners gain experience. Observing precautions and looking for signs of oxygen toxicity, which have lower overall adherence rates, still improve with experience, though these areas may require additional training or emphasis. Overall, the correlation suggests that experience positively influences the quality and thoroughness of oxygen therapy practices, highlighting the importance of ongoing professional development and mentorship for less experienced practitioners.
Participants’ perception of oxygen therapy
As shown in Table 4, 85 (42.5%) agreed that oxygen is like any other medication; 92 (46%) disagreed; and 23 (10.5%) neither agreed nor disagreed. Eighty-one (40.5%) felt oxygen should only be prescribed by a doctor. 185 (92%) and 173 (86.5%) were aware that oxygen can cause harm when used inappropriately and promote combustion, respectively. 179 (89.5%) and 183 (91.5%) knew that hypoxemia can be recognized by clinical signs, and that arterial blood gas analysis is useful for confirming hypoxemia, respectively.
| Variable | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither disagree nor agree (n=200) | Disagree | Strongly disagree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen is like any other medication | 30 (15.0) | 55 (27.5) | 23 (110.5) | 61 (30.5) | 31 (15.5) |
| Oxygen is not a medication but a supportive therapy | 39 (19.5) | 64 (32.0) | 24 (12.0) | 4 (23.0) | 27 (13.5) |
| Oxygen should only be given after a doctor’s prescription | 20 (10.0) | 61 (30.5) | 21 (10.5) | 69 (34.5) | 29 (14.5) |
| Oxygen may cause harm when used inappropriately | 103 (51.5) | 82 (41.0) | 2 (1.0) | 1 (0.5) | 12 (6.0) |
| Oxygen promotes combustion | 74 (37.0) | 99 (49.5) | 12 (6.0) | 4 (2.0) | 11 (5.5) |
| Hypoxemia can be recognized by clinical signs | 66 (33.0) | 113 (56.5) | 6 (3.0) | 6 (3.0) | 9 (4.5) |
| Arterial blood gas analysis is useful for confirming hypoxemia | 70 (35.0) | 113 (56.5) | 6 (3.0) | 3 (1.5) | 8 (4.0) |
DISCUSSION
The knowledge and practice of healthcare professionals in oxygen therapy are crucial for delivering quality patient care.[1,12,14-16] Adequate knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards oxygen therapy are vital for ensuring optimal patient outcomes, preventing complications, and supporting evidence-based practice.[1,12-14,16] The results of this current study revealed that the participants had good knowledge and practice of oxygen therapy.
This study found that 83.5% demonstrated good knowledge of oxygen therapy, surpassing findings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (36.2%), Debre Tabor General Hospital, Ethiopia (52%),[8] Harari, Ethiopia (61.49%),[17] Beirut, Lebanon (55%),[18] Kigali (23.2%),[19] and Eritrean hospitals (43.3%).[15,20] It also exceeds Desalu et al’s study, where only 26.7% (37.3% of physicians and 5.9% of nurses) had a good understanding of AOT, 35.9% were aware of the AOT recommendations, and 19.3% applied them in practice.[21] The variation in these reports may be due to differences in study participants, settings, and samples. Our study revealed a notable difference in knowledge levels compared to previous research. Unlike Adeniyi study, which reported relatively low proportions of healthcare professionals with good knowledge of oxygen therapy, our findings showed that a substantially higher percentage of doctors and nurses demonstrated good knowledge of oxygen therapy.[15]
Our study found that nurses outperformed doctors in demonstrating good knowledge of oxygen therapy; this diverges from previous studies, such as those by Awad et al. and Desalu and Adeniyi, where doctors showed better knowledge than nurses.[22] The fact that a far higher percentage of nurses than doctors had recently prescribed oxygen for a patient may account for the nurses’ greater understanding of oxygen therapy in our study [Figure 1].[1]
- Frequency of oxygen prescription among participants 83 (42%), 41 (20.50%), 39 (19.50%), and 28 (14.00%) last prescribed oxygen <week, >1 week to <1 month, >1 month to <1 year, >1 year respectively before the study, while 8 (4%) had never prescribed oxygen.
This study also found that participants with <4 years of work experience are approximately twice as likely to have extensive knowledge of oxygen therapy.[13] This can be explained by the fact that health professionals who have recently graduated may possess acute knowledge and be able to respond to the study’s knowledge questions.[15] This is corroborated by a study conducted in Turkey that found a stronger correlation between the knowledge score and <5 years of work experience, highlighting the importance of recent education and training.[15]
The present study revealed that participants’ profession, previous training in oxygen therapy, and frequency of oxygen use showed no significant relationship with their knowledge of oxygen therapy. Although overall, the correlation suggests that experience positively influences the quality and thoroughness of oxygen therapy practices, highlighting the importance of ongoing professional development and mentorship for less experienced practitioners.
In Mayhob et al study, statistically significant relationships were found between the age of the participants, their qualifications, and their level of knowledge; however, no statistically significant relationships were found between genders, years of experience, workplace, and the nurses’ knowledge.[23] Padma and Lakshmi study also revealed a significant relationship between gender, years of experience, and workplace and oxygen therapy.[24]
Our results are consistent with a study conducted in Turkey, which found no correlation between knowledge level and oxygen treatment training. It has been observed that medical professionals who receive oxygen therapy training are approximately 4 times more likely to have a high level of expertise.[15]
Our study showed that 40.5% of the participants believed oxygen should only be prescribed by a doctor. This proportion is lower compared to Awad et al’s study, which found a higher percentage of participants held the view that oxygen administration requires a physician’s order.[22] In emergencies where life is at risk, the BTS guidelines recommend that trained healthcare professionals administer oxygen as a priority, with formal documentation of the prescription afterwards.[22]
Approximately 72.5% of participants in our study demonstrated good practice in oxygen therapy, surpassing findings from Debre Tabor, Ethiopia (33%),[7] Addis Ababa (43.4%),[25] and the Eritrean study (45%),[20] Kigali, Rwanda (32.3%),[19] Egypt (58%),[23] South Gondar, Ethiopia (65.1%),[15] but less than Iran (74.5%).[26] These differences may stem from variations in study design, population characteristics, and sample sizes [Figure 2].
- A simple bar chart showing participants’ reported barriers to oxygen therapy (n = 200). 100 (50%), 155 (77.5%), and 190 (95%) felt that erratic electricity, lack of professional training, and malfunctioning oxygen cylinders and concentrators were barriers to adequate oxygen therapy use.
Adeniyi et al. found that roughly half of doctors and nurses had poor oxygen therapy practice levels, and that participants’ knowledge of oxygen therapy was strongly correlated with their practice of oxygen therapy, emphasizing the need for adequazte training and guidelines.[1] A study carried out in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, found that the lack of training and guidelines for oxygen therapy, high workload, and insufficient supply of oxygen and delivery devices significantly impacted oxygen therapy practices.[3]
In this study, most participants identified malfunctioning oxygen cylinders and concentrators as significant barriers to effective oxygen therapy. The finding that 95% of participants cited malfunctioning oxygen equipment as a major barrier to optimal oxygen therapy use highlights a critical issue that needs to be addressed [Figure 3]. Further exploration of this barrier reveals that the specific issues with oxygen equipment include:
- Knowledge score of participants regarding oxygen therapy. 167 (83.50%) had good knowledge of oxygen therapy, while 33 (16.50%) had poor knowledge.
Faulty oxygen sensors or analyzers can lead to inaccurate readings and inappropriate oxygen therapy. Malfunctioning oxygen concentrators or cylinders can disrupt oxygen supply. A lack of functional oxygen masks, nasal prongs, or other delivery devices. Insufficient spare parts or backup equipment, leading to prolonged downtime. Inadequate maintenance or servicing of oxygen equipment can contribute to equipment failure.
These specific issues suggest that procurement, maintenance, and quality control processes may be inadequate. For example, the lack of functional oxygen sensors or analyzers may indicate a need for more frequent calibration or replacement. Similarly, the absence of spare parts or backup equipment may indicate a need for improved inventory management or contingency planning.
To address these issues, healthcare facilities may need to prioritize equipment maintenance, procurement, and staff training. This could involve:
Regular inspection and maintenance of oxygen equipment. Development of a comprehensive equipment inventory and maintenance schedule. Procurement of high-quality equipment and spare parts. Training staff on equipment use, troubleshooting and maintenance. Establishing a system for reporting and addressing equipment malfunctions.
By addressing these specific issues, healthcare facilities can reduce the incidence of malfunctioning oxygen equipment and improve the quality of oxygen therapy provided to patients.
In a study conducted in Egypt, most nurses recognized a lack of training as a barrier to safe oxygen administration. Similarly, in our study, 77.5% of participants shared this sentiment.[12] Furthermore, restricted access to pulse oximetry, insufficient professional training, and equipment issues were cited as key obstacles. These findings are consistent with Mayhob M’s study, where all participants emphasized the impact of poorly functioning equipment and the absence of a standardized protocol for oxygen therapy.[23]
To optimize oxygen therapy, we recommend regular training and education for healthcare professionals, ensuring access to functional equipment, and establishing standardized protocols. By implementing these measures, healthcare providers can enhance their knowledge and improve their practice, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Limitations of the study
The sample may not be representative of the population, as participants self-select into the study. Furthermore, the sample may overrepresent certain groups, such as those with strong opinions or those who are more tech-savvy. Estimates of prevalence, associations, or effects may be biased due to the non-random sampling method. Hence, findings may not apply to other populations or settings.
We observed a low response rate from nurses, possibly because the study was conducted solely by doctors. We did not stratify by specialty, which could have revealed differences in knowledge and practice. However, we aimed to assess and highlight key aspects of clinical practice in oxygen therapy that we considered fundamental and relevant to all medical practitioners, regardless of their specialty. Our study was conducted at a single centre, raising questions about the generalizability of our findings.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, we recommend the following evidence-based interventions to improve oxygen therapy use among doctors and nurses:
Development of structured oxygen therapy protocols: Healthcare facilities should develop and implement standardized oxygen therapy protocols that outline the indications, dosage, and monitoring requirements for oxygen therapy. This can help ensure consistency and accuracy in oxygen therapy administration.
Regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions: Healthcare facilities should provide regular CME sessions on oxygen therapy, focusing on the latest evidence-based guidelines and best practices. This can help improve knowledge and practice among healthcare professionals.
Integration of oxygen audits into ward rounds: Oxygen audits should be integrated into regular ward rounds to monitor oxygen therapy use, identify areas for improvement, and provide feedback to healthcare professionals. This can help identify and address potential issues with oxygen therapy use in real-time.
Oxygen therapy training for healthcare professionals: Healthcare professionals should receive comprehensive training on oxygen therapy, including the proper use of oxygen delivery devices, monitoring requirements, and potential complications.
Regular maintenance and inspection of oxygen equipment: Healthcare facilities should ensure that oxygen equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to prevent equipment failure and ensure safe and effective oxygen therapy.
Development of a multidisciplinary oxygen therapy team: The multidisciplinary team consisting of healthcare professionals from various disciplines should be established to oversee oxygen therapy use, provide education and training, and monitor outcomes.
Implementation and evaluation
To ensure the successful implementation of these recommendations, we suggest:
Establishing a multidisciplinary implementation team: A team consisting of healthcare professionals, administrators, and quality improvement specialists should be established to oversee the implementation of these recommendations.
Developing an implementation plan: A detailed plan should be developed outlining the steps necessary for implementation, including timelines, resources, and evaluation metrics.
Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of these recommendations and identify areas for further improvement.
By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, healthcare facilities can improve oxygen therapy use, reduce adverse events, and improve patient outcomes.
New insight
While it is true that the topic of oxygen therapy use among healthcare professionals has been explored previously, our study provides unique insights into the specific challenges and barriers faced by doctors and nurses in our local context. Notably, our findings highlight the impact of resource constraints, lack of standardized protocols, and limited training opportunities on oxygen therapy use in our setting. Our study also highlights the similarities and differences in knowledge, practice, and barriers between doctors and nurses, providing valuable insights for targeted education and training initiatives. We believe that these findings make a meaningful contribution to existing literature and have important implications for practice and policy in our local context.
Future directions
Conducting observational studies or chart audits to assess actual clinical practice. Using objective measures, such as clinical vignettes or simulation-based assessments, to evaluate healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills. Incorporating qualitative interviews or focus groups to gather more in-depth information on healthcare professionals’ attitudes and experiences with oxygen therapy.
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that doctors and nurses possess a good understanding and practice of oxygen therapy, although a significant training gap still exists. To address this, regular educational programs supervised by respiratory physicians are crucial. These programs should adhere to the latest guidelines to enhance knowledge and improve practice. Regular clinical audits of oxygen therapy should also be conducted to enhance oxygen delivery methods. In addition, publications on prescription, dose, duration, method of delivery, and oxygen delivery devices should be easily accessible in the wards of different hospital units. Implementing these steps will encourage best practices in oxygen therapy use. Furthermore, most respondents felt that malfunctioning oxygen cylinders and concentrators create barriers to adequate oxygen therapy.
Acknowledgments:
We would like to express our gratitude to all the doctors and nurses who participated in the study, especially the consultants and the director of nursing services, for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the study.
Ethical approval:
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Number NHREC/05/01/2008B-FWA00002458-1RB00002323. Dated: June 31st, 2022.
Declaration of patient consent:
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given consent for clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that the patient's names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Conflicts of interest:
There are no conflicts of interest.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation:
The authors confirm that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript, and no images were manipulated using AI.
Financial support and sponsorship: Nil.
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