Table 4 Joint display and meta-inferences of integrated data from linked quantitative and qualitative results

Significant differences in oxygen dosage in range (68% versus 86%) and saturation in range (56% versus 61%) during titration.

Significant differences in number of oxygen titrations per patient.

Significant differences in range of prescribed oxygen dosage (2 [1, 3] versus 4 [3, 4] in litres/minute).

Nurses: “Prescriptions are tailored to the patients, are clearer and more explicit – smaller range of dosage”, “[…] easier to understand which oxygen device will be needed at home.”, “APO₂ have more knowledge about oxygen, than normal physiotherapists and their statements are more reliable”

Physicians: “feedback of APO₂ to questions about patients is very clear”

APO₂: “I’m able to titrate, coach and advise more individually”

APO₂ test oxygen dosages outside of prescription and document this in the patient information system. Accordingly, smaller oxygen dosage ranges are prescribed. Thus, nurses are better informed and the end-of-rehabilitation procedures are more predictable.

Significant difference in patients’ free walking distance during activities before first required rest (410 m versus 270 m).

Physicians: “patients treated by APO₂ are perfectly informed how to deal with their oxygen”

APO₂: “I’m able to titrate, coach and advise more individually - the self-competency and cardiorespiratory performance of my patients improved clearly”

APO₂ feel safer to coach and instructed their patients more individually. Therefore, possibly increasing patient motivation and physical activity by using patient education. Additionally, patients know how to deal with their oxygen more effectively.

No significant or clinically meaningful differences in 6MWT distances.

APO₂ n = 2 (67%), physiotherapists n = 7 (70%): “I think I would be able to make adequate prescriptions without the certification process.”

APO₂: “appreciate having a team of APO₂ for peer learning and exchange of experiences”, “I’m able to titrate, coach and advise more individually - the self-competency and cardiorespiratory performance of my patients improved clearly”

Non-APO₂ physiotherapists: “Easier processes and interesting, insightful conversations with APO₂”

Possible indication of an already high level of knowledge about the topic of oxygen. Moreover, having an additional team of experts further increases quality of care and sparks interest, as well as knowledge and experience exchange.