Lung function testing: Knowledge of French pulmonology residents

Abstract

Introduction: Use of lung function test (LFT) is essential in respiratory medicine. In France, residents9 training in LFT interpretation is variable. The aim of this survey was to assess the level of French residents in LFT interpretation and to assess the benefits of an internship in a LFT lab. Methods: Prospective anonymous survey including 36 questions. Data were collected during teaching seminars in France. Results: 257 residents have answered the survey; 41 (16%) had followed an internship in a LFT lab. Flow obstruction were identified by 67% (n: 171) of residents, restrictive defects were identified by 35% (n: 90) of residents, emphysemas were identified by 42% (n: 109) of residents, an obstacle on an upper airway was identified by 43% (n: 110) of residents, decrease in the strength of respiratory muscles by 33% (n: 84), diaphragmatic weakness by 26% (n: 69), efficacy of cough was identified by 27% (n: 70). An accurate analysis of arterial blood gas was achieved by 52% (n: 133) of residents. 13% (n: 34) of the residents knew in which population the LFT reference values could be used. 33% (n: 86) of the residents knew that helium dilution shouldn9t be used to measure lung volumes in patients with flow obstruction. Residents who had followed an internship in LFT lab had significantly better results in LFT interpretation than those who had not (p Conclusion: The level of respiratory French residents in LFT interpretation is suboptimal. However an internship in a LFT lab improves the level of respiratory residents with LFT interpretation.