Introduction:

Supplemental oxygen is considered a pharmaceutical drug; therefore, it can produce adverse effects. Lack of consensus regarding the reading of oxygen flowmeters and the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) goals can influence clinical and paraclinical decisions and hospital stay length.

Objective:

To assess knowledge on oxygen therapy, adverse effects, SpO2 goals and reading of oxygen flowmeters among personnel in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional study derived from convenience sampling through a self-applied survey between December 2016 and January 2017. The poll evaluated topics on supplemental oxygen therapy fundamentals and adverse effects, SpO2 goals and flowmeter readings through flowmeters photographs indicating a specific fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).

Results:

The response rate was 77% from 259 subjects. 22% considered that the oxygen saturation either increases or remains the same during sleep periods in children. 78% of participants knew at least one complication associated to prolonged oxygen therapy and 67% due to supplemental oxygen concentration greater than required. In neonatal population, 10 % considered oxygen saturation goals equal to or greater than 96%. In the flowmeter’s reading evaluation, incorrect answers ranged from 9 to 19%.

Conclusion:

It is imperative to reinforce updated concepts on oxygen therapy, with emphasis in SpO2 goals, adverse effects and appropriate flowmeter’s readings through periodic educational campaigns.

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