General practitioners' needs for ongoing support for the interpretation of spirometry tests

Abstract

Background: Although one out of three general practitioners (GPs) carries out spirometry, the diagnostic interpretation of spirometric test results appears to be a common barrier for GPs towards its routine application. Methods: Multivariate cross-sectional analysis of a questionnaire survey among 137 GPs who participated in a spirometry evaluation programme in the Netherlands. We identified characteristics of GPs and their practice settings associated with GPs' need for ongoing support for spirometry interpretation. Results: Response rate on the survey questionnaire was 98%. The need for ongoing support among the participating GPs was 69%. GPs' recent spirometry training showed a statistically significant association with the need for ongoing support for the interpretation of spirometry (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.92). Conclusion: There is a need for ongoing support for spirometry interpretation among GPs. Recent spirometry training partially diminished this need.