A top-down investigation of the possible extension of oxygen concentrator use within Swedish healthcare, with regards to national and global benefits

Abstract: Oxygen concentrators are relatively small medical devices that concentrates oxygen from the ambient air next to the patient. They are widely used in low resource settings and in the home health care. For larger hospitals in Sweden and similar countries however, the most common oxygen source is liquid oxygen and oxygen cylinders, delivered from an off-site supplier. Liquid oxygen is often not an option in countries with scarce resources. This study aims to explore the opportunity of extending the use of oxygen concentrators. Behind this investigation is the belief that high resource countries could benefit from ideas made for low resource settings, since the goal for both is to find sustainable and cost-efficient solutions. Furthermore the possible impact of an oxygen supply system that is transferable anywhere is substantial. Profit-driven development and advancement of oxygen concentrators could increase the availability of the device, and thereby oxygen therapy, globally. A literature study and qualitative individual interviews were carried out in order to collect data of the subject. A top-down approach was chosen to achieve a broad presentation of the situation, i.e. interviews were held with key people from the industry. Analysis of the interviews was performed according to Graneheim and Lundman qualitative content analysis. This study presents that the use of oxygen concentrators could be extended in the Swedish home health care, in nursing homes, and in the future maybe ambulances. For hospitals larger bulk systems appear as preferable, and there are indications that a thorough exploration of the available options should be in place. On-site production may have economical and environmental advantages, and could be a subject for future research.