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Spirometry in general practice: the performance of practice assistants scored by lung function technicians
J J den Otter1, M Knitel, R P Akkermans
1Nijmegen University, The Netherlands.
Summary
Trained practice assistants can perform spirometry for asthma and COPD patients. While assistant instructions and patient performance were about 50% satisfactory, spirometry offers a general practice alternative to peak flow meters.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- General Practice
Background:
- Spirometers are now available for general practice, offering an alternative to peak flow meters.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma management often require lung function testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of practice assistants in performing spirometry after training.
- To assess the quality of spirometry instructions and patient performance in a general practice setting.
Main Methods:
- A 20-item scoring system was developed to evaluate assistant instructions and patient spirometer use.
- Practice assistants underwent comprehensive training to conduct spirometry.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of the assessed assistant instructions were deemed satisfactory.
- Around 50% of the patient performance items were rated as satisfactory.
Conclusions:
- Practice assistants, with adequate training, can conduct spirometry for patients with asthma and COPD.
- Further refinement of training and patient education may improve spirometry outcomes in primary care settings.