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Spirometry in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Norwegian general practice.
Mette C Tollånes1, Geir E Sjaastad2, Bernt B Aarli3,4
1Norwegian Organization for Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway. mette.tollanes@noklus.no.
BMC Family Practice
|November 19, 2020
Summary
General practitioners in Norway show gaps in interpreting spirometry for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many lack knowledge about spirometry parameters and their own equipment, highlighting a need for improved training.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- General Practice
- Medical Education
Background:
- General practitioners (GPs) in Norway increasingly utilize spirometry for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions.
- Current knowledge and skill levels of GPs in spirometry interpretation and application remain largely unassessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Norwegian GPs' interpretation of spirometry data and case histories for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- To assess GPs' knowledge regarding their spirometry equipment and diagnostic parameters.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was distributed to 4700 Norwegian GPs, including a COPD case study with spirometry.
- Survey assessed interpretation of spirometry, reversibility tests, diagnosis, grading of obstruction, and knowledge of spirometer and reference values.
Main Results:
- 81% correctly identified COPD, but only 50% recognized key spirometry parameters for diagnosis and grading.
- 26% would not request a reversibility test; 21% were unaware of their spirometer model.
- Significant gaps exist in knowledge of spirometer reference values for adults and children.
Conclusions:
- Despite increased spirometry use, Norwegian GPs exhibit notable knowledge gaps in its application for COPD.
- Educational interventions focusing on spirometry interpretation and equipment are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
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