A culturally appropriate indigenous spirometry training program-a means to improve quantity and quality of spirometry performed in primary care

Abstract

Introduction: Health workers (HW) trained and mentored in the Indigenous Health Worker spirometry training program (STP) and who are supported by their managers are more likely to do spirometry (spiro) and achieve quality test results. Aim: To assess the quantity & quality of spiro performed by HW after attending the STP. Method: HW in Indigenous primary care who were either already performing spiro or were being required to commence performing spiro attended our 2 day culturally appropriate STP. A number of tests performed before training (PreSTP) and after training (PostSTP) were submitted for quality assessment which included patient demographics, test acceptability and repeatability and technical comment inclusion (a total score out of 8). The average quality test score was calculated for a HW's portfolio and the mean±SD quality score was calculated for the group PreSTP & PostSTP. Results: 28 HW submitted spiro tests either PreSTP and/or PostSTP (16 Indigenous). There was an increase in the number of HW doing spiro testing. (Table presented) Conclusion: The Indigenous Health Worker spirometry training program increases the number of HW doing spiro. There is a trend towards improved quality of spirometry after training. Post workshop telehealth mentoring may further improve spiro quality.L6220915362018-05-16 <br />