B14 - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The main objective was to improve the knowledge required for a rational use of HBOT, to a level making it possible to set out specific guidelines for the implementation and development of clinical HBOT centres and to provide scientifically sound recommendations for HBOT treatment of various diseases and conditions.

The main results of the COST Action B14 are :

In research: Consensus documents on methods and ethical aspects of clinical research in HBO;Implementation of a research network in Europe. The work done in this network attracted the participation of South Africa, Australia and Canada; 6 clinical randomised controlled studies going on in Europe

In education : Structuration of initial and continuous medical education in Europe has been achieved and a common syllabus for each level of education in hyperbaric medicine has been agreed; An European textbook has been published, reflecting the view and contribution of European teams;
In quality and safety of clinical care: A code of good practice has been elaborated and disseminated to every HBO centre in Europe; COST Action has been the initiator of the elaboration of an harmonized European norm (pr EN 14 931, prepared by the CEN TF 127)

In communication: A web site has been implemented (www.oxynet.org) and is used by the HBO community for its exchange.