Quality of Life Changes Associated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy on the patient's perception of quality of life (QoL), and their satisfaction with therapy and services provided. METHODS: Three questionnaires were used: the SF-36 questionnaire which reflects patient's perception of their health, the CSQ-8 which is a useful measure of general satisfaction with services, and an experience survey that provided information on factors not covered by the other two (ear discomfort, claustrophobia, etc.). A total of eighteen patients requiring HBO were recruited over a period of approximately 7-months from the only two hospital-based HBO centres in Scotland: Wolfson Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The inclusion criteria involved every patient referred to HBO willing to take part, excluding individuals under 16-years-old. Presentation was varied with conditions that included osteoradionecrosis, radiation mucositis, long term ulcers etc; all required wound healing. RESULTS: Age ranged between 19 and 85, with a mean of 55-years. 11 were male (61%) and 7 were female (39%). The influence of HBO therapy on the general health from the patient's perspective was positive. An increase in the mean values of all dimensions assessed by SF-36 questionnaire (physical function, role limitation – physical problems, role limitations – emotional problems, social function, mental health, energy / vitality, pain, and general health perception) was observed, which represented an improvement in the patient's perceived general health after HBO therapy. Two of the eight dimensions showed a statistically significant improvement: Pain Scale (p = 0.011) and General Health Scale (p = 0.018). High levels of patient's satisfaction with the therapy were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study evaluated the effect of HBO on quality of life and general health of patients receiving the therapy. A general improvement in patient's general health was observed with high levels of satisfaction.