Quality and learning aspects of the first 9000 spirometries of the LifeGene study

Abstract

Spirometry requires the patient to cooperate and do the manoeuvre 'right' for reliable results. Algorithms to assess test quality as well as educational recommendations for personnel are defined in guidelines. We compared the quality of forced spirometry tests performed by spirometry technicians with little or no previous experience of spirometry using spirometry systems with different modes of feedback. In both cases, the spirometry technician received general feedback on the screen based on ATS/ERS guidelines, such as 'exhale faster' and 'exhale longer'. The major difference was whether quality grading system of the complete session was available simultaneously on screen, or in the printed report afterwards. Two parts of the same population-based study (LifeGene), the pilot (LG1) and the first part (LG2) of the subsequent study, were compared retrospectively. In LG1 (on-screen grading) approved examination quality was achieved for 88% of the 10 first subjects for each spirometry technician compared to 70% in LG2 (printed grading afterwards). The corresponding values after 40 subjects was 94 % in LG1, compared to 73% in LG2, and after the first ten subjects there was no apparent quality improvement in either LG1 or LG2. The quality for LG1 is among the highest reported in the literature even though the spirometry technician were relatively inexperienced. We conclude that on-screen grading in addition to general technical quality feedback is powerful in enhancing the spirometry test session quality.

Predictors for detecting chronic respiratory diseases in community surveys: A pilot cross-sectional survey in four South and South East Asian low- and middle-income countries

“…We faced a number of practical challenges, including a concern that the available translations of the questionnaires needed to be explained in the local dialect. Quality control is important in training for performing spirometry, with on-going oversight to maintain standards [ 28 ]. Future studies should take into account the timing of data collection and adapt to the local context, such as not recruiting during Ramadan or on weekdays, when recruitment was difficult.…”

Safety and use of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice

“…According to the monthly changes of PFT in the past seven years, around March and November every year was relatively peak time for this test, suggesting more workload would be needed during these two months. Also, to optimize the quantity and quality of PFT, the staff need to have training regularly [8, 9].…”

Safety and utility of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice

“…According to the monthly changes of PFT in the past seven years, around March and November every year were relatively peak time for this test, suggesting more workload would be needed during these two months. Also, to maximize the quantity and quality of PFT, the staff need to have training regularly [8,9].…”