[Feasibility and benefits of training to screen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Though still under-diagnosed, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently affects nearly 3.5 million people in France. The present study presents the results of continuing medical education sessions on COPD screening by electronic mini-spirometry.

From April 2013 to December 2015, the sessions involved 73 health professionals. The study analysed three questionnaires administered before, after, and long after sessions led by experts within a professional associative network.

The sessions proved efficient in increasing the participants' theoretical knowledge. It increased the percentage of correct answers regarding the nature of COPD (90 % vs. 81%), the functions, features, and outputs of mini-spirometers, and the treatment recommendations. The sessions led to non-negligible changes in everyday medical practice regarding the acquisition of a mini-spirometer (+13 devices), the presentation of COPD to the patients (+33 practitioners), the dialogue on tobacco use (+32 practitioners), vaccination (+33 practitioners), and compliance with the treatment recommendations (+43 practitioners).

These results encourage both holding and following up such sessions. The specialized professional environment ensures knowledge updates and offers subsequent assistance. Further improving these sessions will increase their benefits in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and health economy.