Abstract: Objective: To develop an evidence-based practice protocol for Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) in premature infants and provide guidance for clinical nurses to support caregivers in implementing HOT for premature infants. Methods: A preliminary HOT protocol was formulated by integrating semi-structured interviews (to understand caregivers' experiences and needs) with evidence extraction via the "6S" evidence-based methodology (literature search and synthesis). The protocol was refined through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation to 10 neonatal healthcare experts, with items revised based on expert feedback. Results: The expert response rate was 100%, the expert authority coefficient was 0.93, the variation coefficients of items in the second round ranged from 0-0.16, and Kendall’s concordance coefficients were 0.173-0.209 (P<0.05). The mean scores for importance and feasibility of all items were 4.40-5.00. The final protocol comprised 4 first-level items (preparation, implementation, follow-up, and precautions for HOT), 14 second-level items, and 29 third-level items. Conclusion: The developed protocol is comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and highly feasible, can provide systematic guidance for family care and healthcare education.

Key words: preterm infant; home oxygen therapy; hypoxemia; Delphi method; evidence-based nursing