RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Spirometry in general practice: the performance of practice assistants scored by lung function technicians.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 41
OP 42
VO 47
IS 414
A1 J J den Otter
A1 M Knitel
A1 R P Akkermans
A1 C P van Schayck
A1 H T Folgering
A1 C van Weel
YR 1997
UL http://bjgp.org/content/47/414/41.abstract
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.