PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - J J den Otter
AU  - M Knitel
AU  - R P Akkermans
AU  - C P van Schayck
AU  - H T Folgering
AU  - C van Weel
TI  - Spirometry in general practice: the performance of practice assistants scored by lung function technicians.
DP  - 1997 Jan 01
TA  - British Journal of General Practice
PG  - 41--42
VI  - 47
IP  - 414
4099  - http://bjgp.org/content/47/414/41.short
4100  - http://bjgp.org/content/47/414/41.full
SO  - Br J Gen Pract1997 Jan 01; 47
AB  - Recently, spirometers have become available for use within general practice as an alternative to peak flow meters. This study investigates whether practice assistants, after comprehensive training, can effectively carry out spirometry with patients suffering from asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. A scoring system, consisting of 20 items, was devised to determine the effectiveness of the assistants' instructions and to assess the patient's subsequent use of the spirometer. About half the instructions and half the patient performance items were considered to be carried out satisfactorily.