Tables
- TABLE 1
Reasons for initial spirometry referral
Investigating a problem with your breathing/to get a diagnosis 625 (35.0) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 301 (16.9) Asthma 296 (16.6) Cystic fibrosis 165 (9.2) Pulmonary fibrosis (for interstitial lung disease) 117 (6.6) Bronchiectasis 86 (4.8) Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 76 (4.3) Occupational health testing 65 (3.6) Pre-operative testing as part of your work-up for surgery 24 (1.3) Lung cancer 18 (1.0) Neuromuscular disease 13 (0.7) Data are presented as n (%). Respondents could select more than one option (total responses n=1786).
- TABLE 2
Respondents rating potential issues about spirometry testing as moderately or severely problematic
To keep blowing even though you do not feel anything is coming out 31.4 Coughing 30.4 Feeling tired after the test 26.3 Concerns about shortness of breath due to the test 20.1 Concerns about ability to complete the test 17.5 Feeling dizzy 17.5 Nose clip uncomfortable 16.6 Dryness in mouth 13.2 Not given enough information about why the test is done 12.1 Mouthpiece uncomfortable 12.0 Not given enough information about how to perform the test 11.7 Requirement to withhold inhalers prior to the test 11.4 Lack of support from healthcare professionals running the test 9.8 Feel embarrassed during the test (e.g. being shouted at to blow) 9.7 Data are presented as %.
- TABLE 3
Tips for healthcare providers when conducting spirometry tests
Provide clear advice to patients in advance of the test, including the reasons for carrying the test out and whether they need to discontinue using medication and inhalers Ensure that tests are carried out in a quiet, private space and prepare the room in advance, e.g. by providing sputum pots, tissues and water Give clear verbal instructions to patients before and during the procedure, even if the patient is experienced in taking spirometry tests Between manoeuvres in a testing session, always ask the patient if they are ready to proceed before continuing the series Allow time for a practice test and avoid rushing patients who are anxious or having difficulty taking the test Give encouragement to patients during the test but avoid shouting instructions Allow patients sufficient time to recover after the test Inform the patient of their lung volume values, if permitted by local protocols; if appropriate, provide a comparison with their previous results or predicted values Healthcare professionals who interpret spirometry are encouraged to explain results to their patients and provide comparisons to normal values
Vol 7 Issue 1
Table of Contents
Improving spirometry testing by understanding patient preferences
