Training activity information
Details
Undertake long-term oxygen therapy assessment in patients with type 2 respiratory failure and document a plan
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- How does assessing patients with type 2 respiratory failure for long-term oxygen therapy differ from type 1?
- What specific elements of documenting a suitable plan for this patient group are you focusing on?
- Review relevant guidelines, considering the dangers of over-oxygenation in type 2 respiratory failure
- What are your current understanding of type 2 respiratory failure and its implications for oxygen therapy?
- What challenges do you foresee in this assessment, particularly regarding potential CO2 retention?
- What knowledge about tailoring oxygen therapy to this specific patient group are you hoping to acquire?
- Will you review the differences between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure?
- Will you research the specific considerations for oxygen therapy in hypercapnic patients?
- Have you clarified the documentation requirements and any specific protocols with your training officer?
- What are your initial feelings about the responsibility of ensuring appropriate oxygen prescription for these patients?
In action
- What actions are you currently taking during the assessment? How does your approach differ (if at all) from assessing a patient with type 1 respiratory failure? Why are these differences important?
- What decisions are you making as the assessment progresses, considering the specific challenges associated with type 2 respiratory failure (e.g., carbon dioxide retention)?
- How effectively are your actions helping you to understand the patient’s needs for long-term oxygen therapy in the context of their type 2 respiratory failure? What challenges are you facing?
- What can you learn about assessing patients with type 2 respiratory failure for long-term oxygen therapy as the assessment unfolds?
- Are there alternative ways you could be gathering information or performing measurements? Do you need any support or guidance at this time? Are you ensuring your actions are within your professional boundaries?
On action
- Summarise the key aspects of the long-term oxygen therapy assessment for a patient with type 2 respiratory failure. What were the main physiological measurements taken? Were there differences compared to assessing a patient with type 1 respiratory failure? What key information was gathered from the patient’s history and other relevant data, particularly considering the differences between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure? Describe the documented plan. Did it differ from a plan for type 1 respiratory failure?
- What specific skills or knowledge related to long-term oxygen therapy assessment for type 2 respiratory failure did you develop or improve? Were there any unexpected findings or challenges during the assessment? What did you learn from these, particularly in relation to potential CO2 retention? How did your actions during the assessment influence the documented plan?
- What areas for continued development in long-term oxygen therapy assessment for type 2 respiratory failure have been identified? How can you apply the learning from this assessment to future similar assessments or other aspects of your practice, considering the specific risks in type 2 respiratory failure? What specific actions or ‘next steps’ will you take to further develop your understanding or skills in this area? What support or resources might you need for further development?
Beyond action
- Have you since conducted more long-term oxygen therapy assessments for patients with type 2 respiratory failure? How did these differ from your initial experience?
- Have you been able to review the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy plans you created for these patients?
- Consider if your understanding of the complexities of oxygen therapy in type 2 respiratory failure, including the risks of over-oxygenation, has increased.
- Are you now more aware of the nuances in assessing and planning oxygen therapy for patients with different types of respiratory failure?
- Does this experience influence how you consider the potential risks and benefits of oxygen therapy in hypercapnic patients?
- How has this training activity contributed to your understanding of applying national and international guidelines for oxygen therapy?
- How will you approach future assessments for long-term oxygen therapy in patients with type 2 respiratory failure?
- What clear actions for continued development, particularly regarding the risks and benefits of oxygen in this group, have you identified?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Interpret blood gas measurements in a range of patients. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Use the results of blood gas measurements, in conjunction with other physiological parameters and patient history, to effectively plan appropriate treatment and/or interventions. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Undertake supplementary oxygen assessments in patients who are hypoxemic at rest and/or on exertion and analyse the results to make effective decisions regarding treatment. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Perform a risk assessment for, and order, supplemental oxygen. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Employ effective communication skills and compassion with a range of patients enabling patients to understand their treatment pathway. |