Abstract
BackgroundGlobal standards require that spirometry should be performed by trained and experienced personnel, who would be able to assess the correct performance of tests by patients and assure good quality of the result. The complete achievement of this requires a two-step assessment where competency in both knowledge and skills are tested. This study aims to assess the impact of a one-day hands-on spirometry training (Phase1), on the knowledge and application of spirometry among health workers.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which describes a one-day (seven hours) spirometry training and skills impartation done at two conference city locations in Enugu and Calabar in the southern part of Nigeria. All the verbally consenting attendees who completed the training assessment tests constituted the study population. The assessment of the spirometry knowledge base before and after the theory and practical sessions, on the various aspects of spirometry, according to international best practices, quality assurance and the interpretation of results, was done and the outcome was analyzed. Factors that could affect the outcome were also assessed.ResultsThere were 64 consenting participants of whom 54.7% (35/64) were females. Theparticipants demonstrated much improved post-intervention knowledge and could satisfactorily perform spirometry, calibration, interpretation of test results and quality control as evidenced by the post test scores after practical sessions were conducted. Pre-test mean scores improved by a mean difference of 12% (p < 001) and were affected by the year of academic graduation and availability of spirometers at the place of work, an effect that was no longer seen at post-test following the hands-on spirometry training.ConclusionThe present study has shown that a one-day spirometry workshop significantly improved the knowledge of spirometry practice. There is need to set up more frequent locally-organized spirometry workshops since a one-day seven-hour effective knowledge and practical training would most likely have significant impact on participants’ spirometry practice with its expected positive outcome on respiratory health in Nigeria.
Highlights
Global standards require that spirometry should be performed by trained and experienced personnel, who would be able to assess the correct performance of tests by patients and assure good quality of the result
Regarding the ability to diagnose their effect on the lungs and make policies that could reduce associated morbidities, it is important that the health worker be versed in the use of lung-function assessment tools like spirometry
The mean number of years since obtaining a tertiary education was 12.8 ± 5.5 years, while the mean number of years practiced in chosen career differed slightly and was 9.9 ± 6.7 years
Summary
Global standards require that spirometry should be performed by trained and experienced personnel, who would be able to assess the correct performance of tests by patients and assure good quality of the result. The burden of respiratory diseases in Nigeria is enormous [1] with varying published prevalence of respiratory illnesses that have lung-function complications. These include pneumonia and its various complications, tuberculosis [2], asthma [3], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [4] as well as diseases that have lung-related co-morbidities like sickle cell anemia (SCA) [5], and HIV [6] which have attendant restrictive (interstitial) or obstructive residual effects on the lung. Several studies have reported a global inadequacy in the knowledge and use of spirometry for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma [11]
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