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 |