Spirometry in Primary Care in Navarre, Spain

Inter-Regional Changes in the Performance and Interpretation of Spirometry in Spain: 3E Study

“…For example, a Spanish study reported that spirometry FEV 1 reproducibility criteria were not met in 76% of cases, and that the same was true of vital capacity in 39.7% of cases. 11 In our study, however, perceived quality rates differ considerably (Table 4). Telephone surveys, meanwhile, such as those used in this project, enable researchers to survey a large number of centers, although some will decline, and the results depend on the veracity of the respondent's answers.…”

“…This finding is consistent with that of previous studies in Spain. 11,18 Although an analysis of the reasons why spirometry is so significantly underused in PCs throughout Spain is beyond the scope of this study, we would suggest 2 possible explanations: first, due to patient referral patterns between PC and SC centers, tests are performed preferably at a single care level; second, the number of human resources available. Whatever the reason, healthcare managers should heed the warning signs and consider spirometry a priority area for improvement in their respective healthcare areas.…”

Pulmonary function testing in the Emergency Department and medications prescribed at discharge: results of the Multinational Acute asthma Management, Burden, and Outcomes (MAMBO) study

“…For example, a Spanish study showed that their country had the lowest proportion of HCPs conducting PFT, consistent with data from primary healthcare facilities in Spain where there was minimal adherence to guideline recommendations. 21 Results of a crosssectional survey of Canadian ED physicians also showed wide variations in use of objective measurements; 46% used FEV 1 "occasionally" and 26.7% used peak flow meters "occasionally". 22 In Canada, Jin et al found that adherence to guidelines and use of objective lung function testing were related to physician specialty, with family physicians having the lowest rates.…”

Diagnosis of asthma in adults

“…31 Portable hand-held spirometers allow screening for obstruction 32 and may be more easily used for this purpose than laboratory-based spirometry equipment. Out-of-office spirometry may be more timeconsuming and hence less desirable for patients -and, because feedback is delayed, less desirable for physicians -than spirometry done in primary care practice [33][34][35][36] and specialist practice. Wherever the spirometry is done, it must be performed according to the proper protocols.…”