Oxygen flow devices piloted in Derbyshire Trust

Reducing respiratory patient's length of treatment through use of innovative device

The device, named 'O2matic PRO 100’ was trialled at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB). Developed in Denmark the devices automatically adjust the levels of oxygen patients receive based on their oxygen saturation levels.

The challenge

Pulse oximetry is an important clinical indicator used extensively in hospital and non-hospital settings to monitor blood oxygen saturation (sats) levels. A task that has had to be carried out manually by healthcare professionals for more than 100 years, the machines automatically adjust the levels of oxygen patients receive based on their saturation levels.

The solution

02matic is a relatively new device and was piloted UHDB to assess the impact on patients, staff and length of stay and readmission rates. HIEM commissioned the evaluation of the pilot to gain evidence to support the machines being rolled out more widely across the NHS.

It has shown that it can save time for staff that otherwise would have spent manually titrating oxygen delivery for patients. The devices are able to adjust or titrate the oxygen flow rapidly with a greater level of accuracy and can provide extremely low levels of oxygen which is not possible on standard oxygen flow meters. Staff found it was particularly useful when caring for patients with rapidly fluctuating oxygen needs.

Impact and outcomes

The following can be summarised following the pilot based primarily on the qualitative elements:

  • Staff felt it saved them time and reported that it also provided additional reassurance that patients’ oxygen requirements were being met in a timely manner.
  • Patients had a positive experience with half reporting it had helped with their recovery and over 90% saying they would use it again.
  • The O2matic was used on 170 patients between July 2023 and May 2024. The ward admitted around 140 patients per month during that period.

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