Length of time on home oxygen and DNACPR status by disease group. (– represents too few n numbers to calculate)
| Overall | COPD | Malignancy | ILD | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | 43 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 3 |
| Patient age (mean ± sem) | 73.8 ± 1.8 | 78.3 ± 1.6 | 67.0 ± 4.0 | 73.0 ± 4.8 | 74.3 ± 6.7 |
| Time on oxygen in days (median, range) | 191 (5–3617) | 562 (10–1432) | 16.5 (5–210) | 450 (150–636) | 172 (8–3617) |
| Patients with DNACPR (%) | 32.6% | 42.1% | 28.6% | 40.0% | 0 |
| Length of time DNACPR prior to death in days (mean ± sem) | 60.7 ± 24.4 | 75.0 ± 45.1 | – | – | 0 |
We propose that the prescription of home oxygen can be used as a trigger for discussion of a community DNACPR form. As well as planning for their death, the hope is that this discussion can also prompt planning for the final weeks and months of life, such as wills, advanced directives and preferred place of care.