Currently few self-paced, distance learning programs exist that train staff to perform good quality spirometry tests. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a distance-learning tool for training primary care providers and their medical assistants in the use of spirometry to assist in managing obstructive lung disease (asthma and COPD). This tool is called "Spirometry Fundamentals™: A basic guide to lung function testing". It is a computer-based training program that teaches primary care providers and their staff what spirometry is, how it can be used, the techniques required to perform high-quality spirometry, and clinical interpretation of the spirometric data.
We evaluated the effectiveness of Spirometry Fundamentals in the primary care setting by conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Study participants were primary care physicians (MDs or DOs) and their staff (medical assistants (MAs) or nurses (RNs)) and were recruited as study pairs. The role of the MDs was to utilize spirometry in clinical care by ordering spirometry tests based on their clinical judgment, and the role of the MAs was to perform the spirometry. The patients performed the spirometry as part of their usual care were not considered study subjects.
