Spirometry is a biomedical test to measure lung function in subject who (may) have a chronic respiratory condition. Performing the test requires a certain level of training and experience from the health care professional who conducts the test, and sufficient cooperation of the patient. Although the test is widely used in primary care in many countries, the quality of the test performance seems limited and needs improvement in order to avoid false-positive and false-negative test interpretations. In this study, the researchers investigated whether a combination of e-learning and bimonthly written performance feedback to family practice nurses and assistance regarding their spirometry tests improves the rate of adequate tests.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
1,135
Initial e-learning by studying CD-Rom 'Spirometry Fundamentals', followed by repeated periodic performance feedback on spirometry test quality
Usual practice regarding spirometry execution in family practice
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Primary and Community Care
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Proportion of spirometry tests with ≥2 acceptable blows according to 2005 ERS/ATS criteria that were also repeatable for both FEV1 and FVC
Time frame: 12 months prospective follow-up
Proportions of tests with ≥2 acceptable blows according to 2005 ERS/ATS criteria
Time frame: 12 months prospective follow-up
Proportions of spirometry tests with ≥2 blows meeting 2005 ERS/ATS end-of-test criteria
Time frame: 12 months prospective follow-up
Proportions of spirometry tests with A to C grade according to scholastic-type quality grading system by Ferguson et al (2000)
Time frame: 12 months prospective follow-up
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