Inter-regional changes in the performance and interpretation of spirometry in Spain: 3E study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Respiratory Medicine
• Healthcare Quality Assessment

Background:

• Spirometry is a crucial diagnostic tool for respiratory diseases.
• Assessing the current state of spirometry services is essential for healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate regional differences in spirometry practices across Spain.
• To identify variations in quality and accessibility of spirometry tests.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide telephone survey was conducted.
• 805 primary care and specialized centers participated.
• 36 questions assessed spirometry procedures and resources.

Main Results:

• Significant inter-regional disparities in spirometry utilization and quality were found.
• Training was inconsistent, and bronchodilation test protocols were often suboptimal.
• Daily calibration was not universally implemented, impacting test accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights considerable variability in spirometry quality and accessibility in Spain.
• Findings underscore the need for health authorities to address these disparities.
• Improvements are necessary to enhance the reliability of lung function testing nationwide.