What determines the quality of spirometry in primary care?

Aim: To assess the determinants of good quality spirometry in primary care. Methods: In 6 primary care centers spirometric tests performed during 1 year were assessed in relation to quality by reference respiratory clinic. Spirometry was assumed good quality when all ATS criteria were met. Results: A total number of 3.074 spirometric tests were analyzed. ATS quality criteria were met in 62.1% of examinations. Subjects who met ATS criteria had longer education history (11.0±3.4 vs 10.4±3.7 yr, p<0.001). ATS quality criteria were met in 45.6%, 58.6%, 64.2% and 67.7% in subjects with none, primary, secondary and higher education level, respectively (p<0.001). Effects of gender, reversibility testing and previous experience with spirometry are shown in table. There was also a bias between centers in fulfilling ATS quality criteria in a range from 53.8 to 72.9% (p<0.001). View this table: Conclusions: Females, subjects better educated and previously experienced with spirometry achieved significantly better quality of spirometry. Repeating the spirometric examination together with staff training is essential to perform a good quality spirometry in primary care. Supported by: National Science Centre grant #N N404 0818343.