Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of spirometry performance in a general practice: an audit

To assess the technical performance of spirometry in one general practice, and then to deliver in-house education to effect change.

Retrospective audit of 45 spirometry reports assessed against possible alternative quality criteria. Three subsequent educational interventions for those clinicians performing and interpreting spirometry. Re-audit of 45 spirometry report sheets four months later against the same criteria.

38% of the initial post-bronchodilator spirometries were technically flawed. Post-education, 2% of spirometries were technically flawed and respiratory referrals fell by 50%.

The technical quality of practice spirometry can be audited. In-house education significantly reduced spirometry errors and was associated with a 50% reduction in respiratory referrals.