Variation in spirometry utilization between trained general practitioners in practices equipped with a spirometer
Open Access
- 1 January 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
- Vol. 24 (2), 81-87
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02813430500504362
Abstract
Objective. To explore spirometry utilization among general practitioners and identify practitioner and practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization. Design. Multivariate multilevel cross-sectional analysis of a questionnaire survey. Setting. Some 61 general practices involved in a spirometry evaluation programme in the Netherlands. All practices owned a spirometer and were trained to perform spirometry. Subjects. A total of 144 general practitioners and 179 practice assistants. Main outcome measures. Extent of spirometry utilization for five indications from national COPD/asthma guidelines, practitioner and practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization. Results. The response rate was 97%. General practitioners used spirometry mostly to evaluate treatment with inhaled steroids (58%). Significant practitioner-related factors associated with spirometry utilization were: general practitioners’ job satisfaction, general practitioners’ general interest in research, and prior participation in spirometry training. Practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization were: presence of a practice nurse, delegation of medical tasks to practice assistants, use of spirometry in different rooms, and use of protocols in practice. Conclusion. Practitioner- as well as practice-related factors were associated with the extent of spirometry utilization. In particular, it is essential to improve practice-related factors (e.g. presence of a practice nurse, more delegation of medical tasks to the practice assistant).Keywords
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