A Preliminary Investigation of Mobile Respiratory Function Testing in Western Australian Communities

Abstract

Although underutilized, spirometry is essential in the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This study aimed to investigate a mobile (i.e., transportable) lung function testing (LFT) services in two metropolitan and two rural clinics in Western Australia. Individuals attending a mobile LFT clinic in 2021 were invited to complete questionnaires at baseline and after 6–8 weeks. Questionnaires were completed by 59/74 (79.7%) respondents (mean age 62.5 ± 14.2 years); most were female (35/59; 59.3%). A history of asthma was reported in 50.9% (30/59) and COPD in 18.6% (11/59) of respondents [13.6% (8/59) reported both]. At baseline, most (22/30; 73.3%) had asthma control test scores ≤19 (mean 16.6; range 8.0–25.0); at follow-up, 16/31 (51.6%) had scores ≤19 (mean score 18.0; range 6.0–25.0). Of the 11 diagnosed with COPD at baseline, the mean Clinical COPD Questionnaire and COPD assessment test scores were greater at follow-up (1.9 vs. 2.3; and: 10.3 vs. 14.7 respectively), reflecting worsening disease. Most participants (57/59; 96.6%) were satisfied with the LFT experience. The role of mobile LFT services to optimize the diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease and to minimize patient burden requires further investigation to improve short term patient outcomes.