Features that make spirometers user-friendly for primary care practice

Abstract

Introduction: Many spirometers used in primary care have inflexible software and graphics displays that are not user-friendly for achieving quality spirometry to international standards. Guidelines exist for spirometer technical features, and spirometry test quality and reports, 1,2 but there are no guides that identify user-friendly features for spirometers. Aim: To use expert opinion to develop a comprehensive list of user-friendly features for spirometers used in primary care. Method: Experts with suitable experience in spirometry were recruited from relevant networks; Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, Queensland State-wide Clinical Networks, National Asthma Council and Primary Health Networks. Modified Delphi Consensus methodology 3 was used. The importance of 92 possible features (from 10 categories) were rated by experts using a 6-point Likert Scale; essential, very important, moderately important, low importance, not at all important or no opinion. Ethics waiver (EX/21/QCHQ/77717) was gained. Results: Thirty-six experts completed 2 rounds of the survey. We identified 67 features from the 10 categories where ≥75% of experts gave a rating of either 'essential' or 'very important'. This consensus threshold was considered a priori as a strong expert recommendation for a feature. Category Number of features where >75% experts scored essential or very important 1. General details 3 2. Calibration and biological controls 8 3. Infection control 4 4. Patient data 3 5. Data acquisition and display during testing session 16 6. Interpretation 6 7. Reports 13 8. Software downloads, technical support & user manual 4 9. Assessment of quality of trials 5 10. Other features and comments 5 Total 67 Conclusion: Australia-wide expert opinion has been used to develop a comprehensive list of features that make spirometers user-friendly for achieving quality spirometry in primary care. The list provides a valuable evidence-based resource for health workers and managers in primary and community care when purchasing a spirometer to achieve quality testing and also for manufacturers seeking to improve their spirometers.