Advances in Ambulatory Oxygen workshop and Longterm Oxygen therapy in real-life practice.

The practical workshop presented recent advances in the field of ambulatory oxygen (AO), with experts discussing identification of patients who would benefit from AO, as well as current trials to measure specific benefits of AO in chronic patients. In particular, AO prescription in clinical practice and developments in pulsed-dose delivery of AO as a more efficient method of oxygen delivery were extensively discussed. After audience questions, the attendees had the opportunity to handle the AO systems on display in order to gain greater insight into their functionality and wearability, which should assist them in providing the most appropriate device for each patient. The symposium addressed considerations required when prescribing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Dr Kampelmacher reviewed current indications for LTOT, emphasising the importance of accurate assessment of patients for LTOT, optimisation of oxygen dose, and patient education. Dr Vivodtzev discussed the evidence for LTOT in patients with exercise-induced desaturation, the role of portable oxygen concentrators, and the optimisation necessary to benefit from their use. The symposium concluded with a health economic study presented by Dr Little, demonstrating the cost benefits of a reform of the Scottish healthcare oxygen supply service.