Abstract
Aims
To assess the technical performance of spirometry in one general practice, and then to deliver in-house education to effect change.
Methods
Retrospective audit of 45 spirometry reports assessed against possible alternative quality criteria. Three subsequent educational interventions for those clinicians performing and interpreting spirometry. Re-audit of 45 spirometry report sheets four months later against the same criteria.
Results
38% of the initial post-bronchodilator spirometries were technically flawed. Post-education, 2% of spirometries were technically flawed and respiratory referrals fell by 50%.
Conclusion
The technical quality of practice spirometry can be audited. In-house education significantly reduced spirometry errors and was associated with a 50% reduction in respiratory referrals.
Keywords: primary care, diagnosis, management, spirometry, general practice, quality, audit, education
Full Text
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Footnotes
RC has received lecture fees for primary care education from GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer. At the time of the study he was Medical Director of the Somerset COPD service.