The long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy experience and needs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis

TL;DR

This study explores the experiences and challenges of COPD patients using long-term home oxygen therapy and identifies their needs.

Contribution

A qualitative meta-synthesis of COPD patients' experiences with long-term oxygen therapy, highlighting new insights into their challenges and needs.

Findings

Long-term oxygen therapy provides health benefits for COPD patients.

Patients face significant challenges adapting to long-term oxygen therapy.

Healthcare professionals should address the adverse effects of oxygen therapy for COPD patients.

Abstract

To systematically evaluate and integrate the experience and perception of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane Library, VIP Database, WanFang, CNKI, and CBM Database for qualitative studies on the experience of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy in patients with COPD was conducted. The time limit was from the database's inception to 1 August 2025. The qualitative meta-synthesis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9 papers were included, and 33 outcomes were distilled into nine categories and four integrated outcomes: Health benefits of Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for patients with COPD, the patients with COPD faced many challenges after Long-Term Oxygen Therapy, adaptation to Long-Term Oxygen Therapy in patients with COPD, and the demands of patients with COPD undergoing Long-Term Oxygen Therapy. Although long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy for patients with COPD brings certain health benefits, they also face a series of problems and challenges. In the future, healthcare professionals should pay attention to the experience of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy for patients with COPD and actively address its adverse effects.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251086510, PROSPERO CRD420251086510.

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