Abstract
Background: In a nationwide study conducted in 2005, we reported that spirometry was poorly used by physicians in India (Salvi, Chest 2005). Since then several initiatives have been taken to help improve use of spirometry in India.Aim: We aimed to study whether use of spirometry has improved in India over the past 7 years. Methods: We used the same study methodology as in 2005, viz: we randomly selected 4100 doctors [chest physicians (CPs), general physicians (GenPs), general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians (Ps)] spread across the country and invited them to complete a 1-page questionnaire that captured details about the use of spirometry in their clinic. Results: In 2005, 1714 physicians responded (458 CPs, 717 GenPs, 256 GPs and 209 Ps), while in 2013, 2197 physicians responded (494 CPs, 744 GenPs, 485 GPs and 426 Ps). The differences in the proportion of physicians who used spirometry between 2005 and 2013 are reported in Figure 1.
Conclusions: Use of spirometry has improved significantly among chest physicians, general physicians and paediatricians in India, with little change among general practitioners.
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