Spirometry in general practice: the performance of practice assistants scored by lung function technicians

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.