Feasibility and accuracy of Tele-spirometry: a community based approach

Abstract

The value of Spirometry in the detection and management of lung disease is well recognized in the management of lung health in the community. Spirometer is not easily available in primary health settings or in rural areas. Portable Tele-Spirometer can reduce this gap. The present study was conducted to find the usefulness of Tele-spirometry in community management of respiratory diseases. Remote monitoring of respiratory disease is possible with the help of Tele spirometry. Tele spirometer was made under the project with the help of our technology partner. Tele-Spirometer a portable machine that can easily be installed in an Ambulance and also be carried by a healthcare worker was used. Tele Spirometer recorded and stored data on web server and the doctor located at the Telemedicine centre can access it easily via Telemedicine application. We have done the clinical validation of Tele spirometry in 366 individuals (mean age 26.91±17.95 years) residing in the periphery of Chandigarh, India after taking their consent. The data were then transmitted to physicians in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. There was good correlation between the traditional Spirometer and portable Tele Spirometer. The portable Spirometer saved the time for diagnosis, reduced the cost involved and also prompted for immediate treatment. Our study had 80% good quality Spirometry and only 20% were of moderate quality. We also reported ∼95% patient satisfaction in this study. Thus, it can be safely concluded that tele-Spirometer is a portable, cost-effective, and convenient tool for diagnosis and monitoring the respiratory diseases and thus improves quality and accessibility, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, a home-based consultation for chronic respiratory disease patients might even be possible in the future.