NHS England have made more pulse oximeters available for use in primary care to keep people who are symptomatic with covid AND are 65 years or older OR from the shielded group safe at home if appropriate. Patients most at risk of poor outcomes are best identified by oxygen levels. The use of oximetry to monitor and identify 'silent hypoxia' and rapid patient deterioration at home is recommended for this group.

This pack sets out information to support practices to decide who could benefit from pulse oximetry@home; whether they need some supported checks and prompts in addition to the self-management diary and information; how to get pulse oximeters to people; and decontamination of devices. It should be read alongside the general practice standard operating procedure.