Protocol for Domiciliary Oxygen Support for COVID Patients Discharged from ICU.

On 10th April, 2021 the Health and Family Welfare Department issued an order detailing the protocol which would be followed for providing domiciliary oxygen support for COVID positive patients discharged from COVID-19 ICU. Some of these protocols have been listed below-

“The hospital will ensure that all patients categorised as SEVERE and are discharged from the COVID ICU (Government/Private Facilities) are informed at the time of discharge that, they should contact their nearest Delhi Government Dispensary for a pulse oxymeter.

The Delhi Govt. Dispensary on being approached by such patients will provide a pulse oxymeter at the residence of the patient and not in the dispensary.

SpO2 will be self monitored by the patient/caregivers every 6 hourly for 14 days after discharge, and a written record to be maintained by the patient for the same (with date and time).

If at any point during the 2 week observation period after discharge from ICU

a) Recorded SpO2<93% in 2 consecutive readings, or

b) Recorded SpO2<93% after 3 minutes of ambulation, or

c) Nocturnal Hypoxia with SpO2<93%

Then the patient will become eligible candidate for Domiciliary Short Term Oxygen Therapy (STOT).”