Understanding Spirometry in Primary Care

Abstract

Purpose. Improving the quality of care provided to patients with pulmonary disorders is imperative, but properly performed and correctly interpreted spirometry is typically missing in primary care. There are increasing calls for widespread training efforts to mitigate this deficiency. This article describes why spirometry is needed in primary care and how it is performed and evaluated. Data Sources. The latest spirometry recommendations from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society; the American College of Physicians; the American College of Chest Physicians; and the US Preventive Services Task Force were consulted. Conclusions. Using spirometry to evaluate lung function is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function tests. Nurse practitioners (NPs) will undoubtedly encounter these patients in their practice, and having comprehensive knowledge about spirometry will be a great asset to both their patients and health care team. NPs are often in a unique position with spirometry testing as they both perform and interpret the procedure. Implications for Practice. To better serve their patients, NPs need the knowledge to properly perform and correctly interpret spirometry.