This observational cohort study will enroll patients in LMICs with suspected or confirmedCOVID-19 on oxygen or deemed to require oxygen therapy based on objective criteria.Demographics and risk factor information will be collected from participants.Participants will be followed for 7 days or until outcome (hospital discharge or death).Facility level metrics on oxygen availability will also be collected at the beginning ofsite enrolment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, more than ever, the acute need for scale up of
oxygen therapy. WHO has provided an inventory tool to quantify facility-level provision
of infrastructure to deliver oxygen therapy. However, data on the use of oxygen therapy
at the patient-level remains lacking. This observational cohort study will enroll
patients in LMICs with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 on oxygen or deemed to require
oxygen therapy based on objective criteria. Demographics and risk factor information will
be collected from participants. Participants will be followed for 7 days or until outcome
(hospital discharge or death). Facility level metrics on oxygen availability will also be
collected at the beginning of site enrolment.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by treating clinical provider, or
confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed virologically in the lab by RT-PCR via
nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal sample or by SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs that meet the
minimum performance requirements of ≥80% sensitivity and ≥97% specificity compared
to a NAAT reference assay.
2. Receiving supplemental oxygen or showing clinical evidence of need for supplemental
respiratory support as reflected in a respiratory rate ≥30 breaths per minute or an
SpO2 ≤ 90%, SpO2 < 94 % if any emergency signs are present
3. Admitted to health care facility
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Is not receiving oxygen or does not have clinical criteria for oxygen treatment
specified above oxygen therapy
2. Does not have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (as per criteria above)
3. Patient younger than 12 years of age
4. Lack of commitment to full supportive care
World Health Organization
Geneva, Other, Switzerland
WHO, Study Director
World Health Organization