Use of spirometry in family practice in Canada; results of a nationwide survey

Abstract

Aim: To determine the use of spirometry by family physicians in Canada, including barriers to testing and interpretation

Method: A Spirometry questionaire was developed by the special interesest respiratory group of the College of Family Physicians of Canada to determine the use of spirometry in office Practice.Online Surveys were distributed by email through the college website to a group of family physicians identified as having an interest in respiratory medicine. Paper copies were distributed to all attendees at the College National Conference in Toronto in November 2015 and collected on site.

Results: The majority of Physicians polled did use spirometry to aid in diagnosis of Copd and Asthma,and less often for other causes of dyspnea. 62 % had experienced barriers to accessing spirometry and obtain results,including long wait times and poor reports.Two thirds of respondents had moderate to severe discomfort with performing spirometry and more than half were uncomfortable or very uncomfortable with interpretation. Barriers to office spirometry included time constraints and lack of personnel to perform tests. When presented with a case,the majority of respondants would perform spirometry to make a diagnosis, although only 50% used spirometry to aid in diagnosis of undifferentiated dyspnea.

Conclusion: Family physicians are interested in using spirometry to diagnose their patients with respiratory symptoms. There is a gap in knowledge in the performance and interpretation of spirometry, and variability in the availability of testing and consistency of test results. These needs can be addressed through ongoing education, including CME at the local and national level, and spirometry workshops.