Oxygenation of the critically ill in selected intensive care units in the UK: are we usual?

Recent data suggest a conservative approach to oxygen use in acutely unwell patients could be beneficial compared to more liberal use; guidance also suggests oxygen saturation (SpO2) should not exceed 96-98% in those receiving oxygen. Using data from 12 English intensive care units (ICUs), we demonstrated that in 29,657 patient episodes the average SpO2 was 96.2% and 97.2% for medical and surgical patients, respectively. Furthermore, 61% and 23% of patients receiving supplemental oxygen spent at least half their time in ICU with SpO2 readings >96% and >98% respectively. Patients managed on English ICUs tend to have a higher SpO2 than has been recommended for non-critically ill, acutely unwell patients.