Oxygen administration: is practice based on evidence?

An audit of oxygen administration to children in the paediatric unit of a district general hospital was carried out following the introduction of new guidelines. The aim of the audit was to review oxygen administration practices against the guidance but also to gather information concerning patients, diagnoses, prescription practices and delivery devices. The notes of 36 infants and children admitted during a two week (winter) period who received oxygen were retrospectively reviewed for the audit.