# Impact of Oxygen Stewardship Training on Knowledge and Practice for Oxygen Administration Among Healthcare Professionals Working in the Rajkot District

## TL;DR

A training program improved healthcare professionals' knowledge and practices in administering medical oxygen in a hospital in India.

## Contribution

Demonstrated that oxygen stewardship training significantly enhances knowledge and practical skills in oxygen administration.

## Key findings

- Post-training, 70.3% of participants knew oxygen therapy criteria, up from 47.4% pre-training.
- Correct mask fitting improved from 88% to 100% after the training program.
- High-flow nasal cannula use increased from 64% to 96% following the training.

## Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen stewardship training program in improving knowledge and practices regarding medical oxygen administration among healthcare professionals (HCPs) at the tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs who participated in the oxygen stewardship training program at P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot, India, in 2022. Pretest and posttest data were collected using a questionnaire to evaluate changes in their knowledge and practices regarding oxygen administration and analyzed with appropriate tests.

Results: A total of 50 HCPs participated in the study, with the majority aged 31-40 years (86%) and 56% being nurses. Before training, knowledge on oxygen stewardship, oxygen therapy criteria, device selection, and technical systems varied, with only 18 (47.4%) aware of initiation criteria and 13 (26%) aware of facility-wise oxygen demand estimation. Awareness of pressure swing adsorption plant (PSA), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), and Pin Index Safety System (PISS) was moderate to low. Post-training, significant improvements were observed: knowledge of oxygen therapy criteria rose to 36 (70.3%, p=0.044), oxygen device selection to 45 (90%, p=0.014), and demand estimation to 31 (61.2%, p<0.001). Awareness of PSA, PESO, and PISS also increased. Practice-related improvements were notable: oxygen prescription practices (82%-100%, p=0.002), correct mask fitting (88%-100%, p=0.001), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use (64%-96%, p<0.001), and ventilator handling (64%-100%, p<0.001). These findings suggest the training program effectively enhanced both knowledge and practical application.

Conclusion: The oxygen stewardship training significantly improved HCPs' knowledge and practices, though additional focus on PSA systems, demand estimation, and ventilator management is needed to sustain these gains.