Audit of the Use of High Flow Humidified Oxygen Therapy (HFHOT) On The General Paediatric Ward

Abstract

The use of High Flow Humidified Oxygen Therapy (HFHOT) has increased in recent years including in infants with bronchiolitis. The humidified and heated oxygen delivered through simple nasal cannula has resulted in better tolerance of flow higher than used before. HFHOT has been used either as a step-up modality for patients on standard oxygen therapy or as a step-down mode of respiratory support for invasively ventilated patients upon extubation. Its uses has resulted in the reduction of the used of Non-Invasive and Invasive Ventilation on Intensive Care Units, freeing up critical care space. HFHOT was introduced on general paediatric ward during the 2017/18 winter. This audit aims at ascertaining the adherence to, guidelines, the safety of ward-based HFHOT and the impact on critical care beds at Hull Royal Infirmary.