Home Oxygen Access Challenges Delay Hospital Discharges Nationwide

Why it matters locally: Hospitals across North Carolina, including those in Mecklenburg and Wake Counties, may be experiencing increased patient backlogs and costs due to nationwide challenges in securing high-flow home oxygen equipment for discharged patients. This issue could strain local healthcare resources and impact patient care within the state.

WASHINGTON – Limited access to high-flow home oxygen equipment is delaying hospital discharges across the country, according to findings from a national survey. Researchers report that these delays reportedly increase patient risks and costs for both patients and the healthcare system. The survey identified that numerous patients, ready to leave the hospital, encounter obstacles securing the necessary oxygen devices for home use. This situation compels some individuals to remain hospitalized longer than medically necessary. Prolonged hospitalizations carry several implications. They can increase a patient's exposure to hospital-acquired infections. They also contribute to higher medical bills for the patient and greater operational costs for hospitals. The findings suggest a correlation between available home oxygen resources and efficient patient flow within healthcare facilities. Addressing the identified gaps in access could potentially mitigate these reported delays and their associated impacts.