The quality of spirometry testing: A systematic review

Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
B., Liane;N., Gary;J., Anne;M., Suzanne
Suzy Munns
Abstract

Introduction/Aim: Chronic respiratory diseases decrease lung function and cost the Australian health system an estimated $4 billion per year. Spirometry testing is required to confirm chronic respiratory disease diagnoses and support management. However, despite its importance, only 30%–40% of patients have their chronic respiratory disease diagnosis confirmed with spirometry. The quality of spirometry testing that is performed impacts diagnosis and management decisions. This review identifies the factors influencing the acceptability and repeatability of tests as one measure of spirometry quality. Method: Following the PRISMA format, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL Complete, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched to identify studies relating to the quality of spirometry. The overall percentage of acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests was obtained from each article and a generalised linear model was used to determine the factors associated with percentage of acceptable and repeatable tests. Results: Seventy-nine articles were included post screening from an initial total of 8465. Studies that took place in primary care had a significantly increased probability (42%, p < 0.001) of a lower percentage of acceptable and repeatable tests compared to hospital care. Studies on elderly participants had a significantly increased probability (37%, p = 0.006) of a lower percentage of acceptable and repeatable tests compared to studies on adults. The presence of chronic respiratory diseases and the number of participants in each study did not significantly influence the percentage of acceptable and repeatable tests. Conclusion: The quality spirometry (defined as percentage of acceptable and repeatable tests) in published studies was significantly associated with the level of healthcare in which the study took place and the age group of participants. Further research is required to determine if the provision of operator training can increase the quality of spirometry and result in improved patient outcomes.

Journal

Respirology

Publication Name

N/A

Volume

28

ISBN/ISSN

1440-1843

Edition

N/A

Issue

S2

Pages Count

1

Location

Christchurch, NZ

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1111/resp.14458