How this fits in

Asthma guidelines recommend the use of spirometry and FeNO to support asthma diagnosis, and spirometry for monitoring, in adults and children aged ≥5 years. These tests are not routinely performed in children in general practice. In order to better understand the feasibility and acceptability of these tests to families and primary care staff, 612 children in 10 Leicestershire practices were studied and all children, families, and general practice staff surveyed. Training needs, time taken to complete the tests, success rate at first attempt, and test acceptability were investigated. Findings showed that spirometry and FeNO testing are feasible, and take a mean of <10 minutes to complete. Spirometry is achievable in the majority of children aged ≥5 years, and FeNO in children ≥7 years. Both tests were acceptable to families and healthcare staff. Importantly, the majority of staff in general practices stated that they found the tests helpful in managing children’s asthma better.