European study finds lack of reliable information on airline oxygen policies
According to a recent report by the European Lung Foundation (ELF), a lack of reliable information about airline oxygen policies was found to be the main obstacle to patients with a lung condition when flying.
T
he ELF carried out a survey with patients and healthcare professionals to help improve the practicalities of travelling by air for people with a lung condition and to build up a clearer picture of the current situation they face when planning a trip abroad. A total of 96 people responded to the patient survey from 18 countries worldwide – 75 per cent being patients themselves and 25 per cent being relatives or carers of someone who needs to travel with oxygen. A key finding published by the ELF stated that nearly 20 per cent of patients find a lack of reliable information from airlines the main barrier when travelling. In addition to this, 12 per cent said bringing their own portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on board the aircraft was a significant barrier. 11 per cent also claimed that planning the journey and organising the logistics behind travelling abroad, coupled with the physical impact of the journey itself, may cause them further fatigue and stress. As part of the study, the ELF surveyed 196 healthcare professionals from 57 countries, most working in secondary care. 16 per cent of respondents were from the UK and several respondents came from Portugal, the Netherlands and Spain. 22 per cent of the healthcare professionals surveyed agreed there was a lack of information on travelling
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with oxygen and that this was a key obstacle when patients plan a trip abroad. 20 per cent also reported that the importance of respiratory assessments is often underestimated, and said they had experienced difficulties accessing a local protocol or a screening tool. The results of the survey were presented at a workshop held at the ERS International Congress in London. Participants included healthcare professionals, patients, representatives of patient organisations and representatives of industry (POC providers). Together, they discussed how to improve the practicalities of travelling by air and the steps required to carry out these changes.
Next steps
Both healthcare professionals and patients have stressed the need for a standardised certificate, which can be easily recognised by airlines and easy to understand by those not medically trained. In 2017, the ELF will work towards a standardised certificate template which will be different for adults and children, be specific about the condition of the passenger, contain information on any accompanying person or escort and be specific about the oxygen flow rate. The ELF will also work towards guidelines and protocol for the assessment of fitness to fly for patients
with a lung condition, an information sheet on POCs and a list of commonly accepted POCs. The present report and any outcome of the workshop will be published online on the ELF website in the section dedicated to air travel with a lung condition www.europeanlung.org
Taking oxygen on board
The European Lung Foundation offers the following advice to people travelling with oxygen:
• Check with airlines which
portable oxygen concentrator (POCs) are allowed • Check battery requirement – consider the time you will spend at both airports • Check on the airport map where plugs are located or contact the airport directly • Bring information about your POC with you (instructions and warranty) • Arrange assistance at the airport/ airline both at home and at the destination airport • Ask to be boarded and to disembark first or last
Are you flying abroad this year?
Check out consultant pharmacist Neil Ham ilton’s adv ice on plan ning ahead for holidays on page 28
