RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Ascertaining baseline knowledge of oxygen therapy and respiratory failure JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP PA1624 DO 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA1624 VO 48 IS suppl 60 A1 Nicola Garner A1 Paul Deegan A1 Hassan Burhan A1 Ida Ryland YR 2016 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA1624.abstract AB Introduction: COPD mortality secondary to respiratory failure in the UK is double the European average (NHS England, 2015¹). Following this report, the BTS recommend the need to improve emergency oxygen (O2) administration and respiratory failure management. This management need was highlighted by the findings of our hospital O2 Audit where only 33% of patients received formally prescribed oxygen.Aim and Methods: To establish the extent of staff knowledge of O2 prescribing in respiratory failure, a cross-sectional survey of 100 healthcare professionals within our acute Trust was undertaken.Results: Healthcare staff (Nursing - 36%, medical - 50%, allied professions - 14%) completed a questionnaire survey. 49% reported receiving no respiratory failure training and 46% lacked education on O2 therapy. 92% considered O2 to be a drug, however 49% failed to identify a venturi valve as a controlled O2 device with 40% not knowing how or when to use it.ABGs showing Type I Respiratory Failure were correctly interpreted by 75% of participants, however only 38% recognised Type II Respiratory Failure with compensation.Participants: (80%) recognised the need for education though not via e-Learning provision. Study days, ward based learning or a combination were the preferred option (43%).Conclusion: Education is essential to improve O2 management and the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory failure. A trust-wide staff education programme to improve patient management and safety has now been developed and will be audited post implementation.¹ NHS England (2015) Respiratory. <http://www. England.nhs.uk/ourwork/futurehs/deliver-forwatd-view/sop/red-prem-mort/rd>.