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[Need for the training of GPs to perform spirometry: a study of French GP trainees]
C Morin1, C Buffel1, A Lorenzo1
1Département de médecine générale, université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France.
Introduction:
The increased prevalence of asthma and COPD, the expected decline in the number of respiratory physicians and the availability of spirometers in primary care suggest that GPs should perform spirometry.
Objective:
To evaluate French final year medical (GP) students' theoretical and practical knowledge of spirometry.
Methods:
The students completed a questionnaire and were then separated into 4 groups: satisfactory theoretical and practical knowledge (group 1), theoretical knowledge (group 2), practical knowledge (group 3), insufficient theoretical and practical knowledge (group 4).
Results:
One thousand two hundred and sixty one students (29 universities) were included between February and April 2012. Of the students, 4.3 % (54) fell into group 1, 35.2% (444) into group 2, 5.4% (68) into group 3 and 63.7% (803) into group 4. The students in group 1 had done significantly more internships in departments of respiratory medicine during their training (P<0.0001, OR: 3.93, IC95%: 2.2-7.07).
Conclusion:
As a result of their theoretical and practical training, only 5% of the students considered themselves able to perform and interpret spirometry. A specific training program is necessary.
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