Project for introduction and quality control of lung function tests in primary care practices in Palma de Mallorca. The ESPAP project

摘要

International guidelines recommend performing lung function tests for respiratory diseases diagnosis and follow up. Though there is no consensus about how often these tests should be done, most audits made in primary care practices show that spirometry is done poorly in the routine of primary care physicians. Possibly this is due to poor accessibility. From a questionnaire passed to 121 primary care physicians in Mallorca we found that none of them could make spirometries in their own practice and they had to refer the patients to the pneumologist, although they felt capable of undertaking this technique in their own practicesObjectives:Introduction of spirometers in primary care practices. Improving the accessibility and reducing the waiting time for making the spirometry test. Make patients and professionals feel more satisfied. Knowing whether technical ability and interpretation ability is possible for primary care professionals and the progressive improvement of this ability by repeating the activity in their own practices. Actions:1. Nursery staff learn the technique and maintenance of the spirometers. This activity is supported by the Son Dureta Hospital pneumologist service and the Spanish Society of Family Medicine Respiratory Group.2. Introduction of spirometers (Datospir 120 Sibel®) in 3 primary care practices in Palma de Mallorca and the beginning of spirometry making.3. Medical staff to assist to several workshops regarding lung function test interpretation during the first 6 months of the project.4. Six month evaluation.5. Passing a questionnaire to professionals and patients to evaluate the degree of satisfaction with the activity.6. One year evaluation.