A pilot trial in healthy volunteers to determine the reliability and accuracy of the oxygen compliance monitor, oxymon®

Abstract

Introduction: Oxygen has been shown to improve morbidity, mortality and quality of life in hypoxaemic patients with chronic lung conditions. Assessing compliance has always been difficult and there are no accurate means of assessment available in clinical practice. We have trialled an oxygen compliance monitor called oxymon® to address this. The aim of this study was to determine oxymons® accuracy in recording oxygen use; including failure of oxygen supply and to alert users if oxygen supplies are disrupted.

Method: The monitor continuously records oxygen flow and inspiratory pressure. We determined the accuracy of oxymon® by determining the sensitivity and specificity of the oxygen and inspiratory pressure sensor.

Results: The accuracy of the oxygen and inspiratory pressure sensors is 96%.

Conclusion: Oxymon® is accurate; objectively measuring compliance to oxygen, recording duration of oxygen use and identifying failure in oxygen delivery from the oxygen source or lack of inspiratory pressure by alarming.

Keywords:

• Oxygen compliance monitor
• Long term oxygen therapy
• Oxymon
• COPD

Acknowledgements

Oxymon® was designed by David Jones and Noel Poncelet. David Jones (former president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers) developed the concept whilst caring for his wife with end-stage COPD.

In April 2006, following rigorous scrutiny by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the proposed ‘Development of an Oxygen Therapy Monitoring Device’ in accordance with the patented designs of David Jones and Noel Poncelet was awarded a research and development grant to have prototype devices manufactured that would be suitable for clinical trials.

The sponsor of this research (Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust) is experienced in this type of activity and has procedures in place to ensure it fulfils its responsibilities. Ethical approval was gained from the Brighton East Research Ethics Committee. Project reference number: 07/H1107/108 [9].

The patent for oxymon® is owned by Oxymon Ltd, if interested in oxymon® and or carrying out any further work involving oxymon® please contact www.oxymon. co.uk.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.