Pulse Oximetry in the Context of COVID-19: self-learning course
This free online Lifebox course course covers the basics of pulse oximetry and how it can be used to improve patient care.
Pulse oximeters enable healthcare providers to assess the oxygen saturation of COVID-19 patients. This is a critical component of patient triage and clinical decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing COVID-19 care.
Lifebox has worked with its global network of partners to distribute more than 8,800 pulse oximeters across 53 countries for the identification and ongoing care of COVID patients as well as developed multi-language educational materials.
Pulse oximeters enable healthcare providers to identify and rapidly treat hypoxia and aid decision making in the allocation of limited hospital beds and oxygen resources. By measuring the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood, pulse oximeters help providers decide who is well enough to be sent home, who needs to be given oxygen, or who needs to go to an ICU. In low-income countries that often lack intensive care resources, the early identification of COVID-19 patients is essential for the best outcomes.
COVID-19 has demonstrated that many health systems lack robust oxygen ecosystems – lacking pulse oximeters and sustainable oxygen supplies. Investing in these devices pays tremendous dividends: They are low-cost, durable, highly valued, and can be rapidly used across clinical units.
“I supported the distribution of 50 Lifebox pulse oximeters donated to the hospitals in Rivers and Bayelsa States in southern Nigeria for COVID-19 response. There is a shortage of medical equipment in Nigeria so these donations were important to help us provide COVID-19 care. In a COVID-19 patient, the respiratory system of the patient may be compromised. Pulse oximeters help us to screen and assess the oxygen saturation of patients.”Dr. Dabota Yvonne Buowari, anesthesiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
COVID-19 patient monitoring, Nigeria
Pulse oximeters are a critical tool in patient triage and clinical decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing COVID-19 care. During the pandemic, Lifebox distributed more than 8,000 pulse oximeters for COVID-19 patient management.
