Introduction:

The disease caused by COVID-19 constitutes a global health problem. The early identification of clinical manifestations and respiratory compromise is vital to minimize the complications of the disease; in this sense, the use of the pulse oximeter constitutes an interesting alternative.

Objective:

To describe the advantages provided by the use of the pulse oximeter in the decision-making of patients to go in a timely manner to request medical attention.

Methods:

Basic research, descriptive and retrospective design. Universe made up of 348 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and the sample of 184 cases. The frequency of complications and the influence of the use of pulse oximeter in decision making were determined. Non-parametric Odd Ratio and Fisher's exact tests were used to identify the range of occurrence.

Results:

average age of 54.47 years with a predominance of female patients (60.33 %) and with associated comorbidities (66.85 %). 25.00 % of the patients presented respiratory involvement as a complication of OVID-19. 47.83 % of the patients with complications used a pulse oximeter, although only 27.27 % attended the consultation early, but in 90.91 % the decision to attend the emergency service was influenced by the use of the oximeter point and its results.

Conclusions:

Pulse oximetry helped patients make the decision to seek medical attention. Oxygen saturation monitoring can be considered as a positive action around the clinical suspicion of severe respiratory disease.

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