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 |