Volume 20 Issue 2 June 2011
| Short Report |
Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of spirometry performance in a general practice: an audit
Pages 210-213
*Robin Carr, Vicky Telford, Gareth Waters
Nuffield Health Centre, Witney, Oxfordshire, UK
Received 30 June 2010 • Accepted 18 November 2010 • Online 18 February 2011
Abstract
AIMS: To assess the technical performance of spirometry in one general practice, and then to deliver in-house education to effect change. METHODS: Retrospective audit of 45 spirometry reports assessed against possible alternative quality criteria. Three subsequent educational interventions for those clinicians performing and interpreting spirometry. Re-audit of 45 spirometry report sheets four months later against the same criteria. RESULTS: 38% of the initial post-bronchodilator spirometries were technically flawed. Post-education, 2% of spirometries were technically flawed and respiratory referrals fell by 50%. CONCLUSION: The technical quality of practice spirometry can be audited. In-house education significantly reduced spirometry errors and was associated with a 50% reduction in respiratory referrals.
Cite as: Carr R, Telford V, Waters G. Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of spirometry performance in a general practice: an audit. Prim Care Respir J 2011;20(2):210-213. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2011.00006
Keywords
Primary care, diagnosis, management, spirometry, general practice, quality, audit, education
* Corresponding author. Robin Carr Tel: +44 (0)1993 703641 Email: robin.carr@doctors.org.uk