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Experience of a standardised method for assessing respiratory disability
J E Cotes1, D J Chinn, J W Reed
1Dept of Physiological Sciences, Medical School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
The European Respiratory Journal
|May 1, 1994
Summary
A new objective method for scoring respiratory disability shows strong correlation with traditional methods. This validated approach aids in assessing exercise limitation and improving disability evaluations for respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Occupational Medicine
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- A standardized method for scoring respiratory disability using maximal oxygen uptake has been developed.
- Traditional empirical methods are used in Medical Boarding Centres (MBC) for assessing respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare a new objective method for scoring respiratory disability with the traditional empirical method used at an MBC.
- To validate the new objective method against established clinical indicators.
Main Methods:
- 62 men claiming industrial injuries benefit due to respiratory hazard exposure were studied.
- Maximal oxygen uptake was measured and/or estimated.
- MBC ratings were correlated with the new disability scores.
Main Results:
- The new objective method's scores were numerically equivalent to MBC ratings for moderate to severe disability.
- MBC ratings were confirmed to be influenced by forced expiratory volume, pneumoconiosis, and breathlessness.
- Exercise test data identified factors limiting exercise in subjects with inconsistent maximal oxygen uptake.
Conclusions:
- The new objective method for assessing respiratory disability is validated against traditional MBC ratings.
- This objective method can help identify specific factors contributing to exercise limitation.
- The new method is recommended for potentially reducing difficulties in respiratory disability assessment.