In this Issue July 2004
Spirometry Handbook Update
National Asthma Council Video Resources Extended
Influenza Papers
The Cochrane Collaboration
Conference Diary 2004
Spirometry Handbook Update
Spirometry - The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory
Function in Clinical Practice, was originally published in 1995.
The
handbook web version is one of the most accessed areas on the NAC website.
Developed as introductory information to guide those involved in the performance
and interpretation of spirometry, this popular resource has been updated
recently for the web by the authors Associate Professor David P. Johns
(respiratory scientist, Tasmania) and Professor Rob Pierce (respiratory
physician, Melbourne).
A great deal can be learned about the mechanical properties of the lungs
from measurements of forced maximal expiration and inspiration. Since Hutchinson
first developed the spirometer in 1846, measurements of the so-called dynamic
lung volumes and of maximal flow rates have been used in the detection and
quantification of diseases affecting the respiratory system.
Over the years it has become obvious that the spirometer and peak flow meter
used to measure ventilatory function are as deserving of a place in the family
practitioner's surgery as the sphygmomanometer.
After all, who would
dream of managing hypertension without measurement of blood pressure?
It
is important to appreciate that the clinical value of spirometric measurements
is critically dependent on the correct operation and accuracy of the spirometer,
performance of the correct breathing manoeuvre and use of relevant predicted
normal values.
The handbook is not intended to be an exhaustive review but rather a guide
aiming to help improve the knowledge and techniques of those already doing and
interpreting spirometry, and to introduce spirometry to those learning how to do
it for the first time.
The important facts about types of spirometers,
how the test is actually performed and interpreted, and some common pitfalls and
problems are covered.
Spirometry Handbook
National Asthma Council Audiovisual
Resources Extended
 Rural
Health Education Foundation
The National Asthma Council has worked with the Rural Health Education
Foundation for a number of years to provide medical education programs
about the management of asthma.
The Rural Health Education Foundation is a non-government,
not-for-profit organisation which utilises satellite technology and the Internet
to provide an education and information "lifeline" to regional, rural and remote
health professionals.
The programs are invaluable to doctors,
pharmacists, nurses, administrators and other health workers as they provide an
opportunity to review the latest health information and undertake continuing
professional education.
After the original broadcast date, the the
programs are available for viewing online from the Rural Health Education
Foundation website.
Three
broadcasts are available online for viewing on demand including:
- Asthma 3+ Visit Plan: A New Initiative
- One year on: The Asthma 3+ Visit Plan,
- New Directions in Paediatric Asthma Management and
For the full details on the scope of each broadcast and presenters involved
go to
Audio Visual
Resources
(http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/resources/video/video_rhef.html)
The Role of Spirometry in General Practice
Associate Professor John Wilson and Mr Bruce Thompson from The Alfred
Hospital explain the role of spirometry in the general practice setting for the
diagnosis and management of asthma. A step by step demonstration of a spirometry
test is provided by Mr Thompson covering:
- A practical example of the technique for performing spirometry on a
patient in the surgery.
- Introducing and explaining the test procedure to the patient.
- Coaching the patient through the test.
- Obtaining the best possible patient effort.
Dr Wilson explains what should be covered in discussion and interpretation of
spirometry including:
- Advice to the patient about medication prior to coming for the test.
- What the patient can expect during the test.
- When spirometry should not be attempted.
- How to optimise results.
- What the results show about asthma.
View these video clips on demand at
Performing
Spirometry in General Practice
 Influenza
Papers
Although influenza has not had an impact this winter so far, a late 'flu
season is still possible. Preparation for next winter is also important for
people with asthma. So now would be a good time to mark in your diary when you
should obtain a 'flu vaccination for winter 2005.
Vaccination against influenza safely and effectively reduces the risk of
infection, and treatments are available to alleviate the duration and severity
of symptoms if infection occurs. Yet while Australia has made excellent progress
in targeting those aged 65 and older, the majority of younger at-risk
individuals remain unprotected.
Three publications review current issues in the prevention and treatment of
influenza – at a time when awareness of viral respiratory infections has been
heightened by the occurrence of SARS during 2003 and the recent spread of avian
influenza, originating in South- East Asia. These papers are part of the public
awareness campaign and educational programme run by the Australian Influenza
Specialist Group.
The Influenza 2004 Discussion papers are available as PDF files from
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference & Research on Influenza website in
the Reports section.
http://www.influenzacentre.org/index.htm
To review the papers go to
A guide for General Practitioners
87KB PDF (Acrobat Reader required)
(http://www.influenzacentre.org/reports/GP%20flu%20discussion%20paper%202004.pdf)
A guide for Pharmacists
81KB PDF (Acrobat Reader required)
(http://www.influenzacentre.org/reports/Pharmacist%20flu%20discussion%20paper%202004.pdf)
A guide for Occupational Health Professionals
95KB PDF (Acrobat Reader required)
(http://www.influenzacentre.org/reports/OHS%20flu%20discussion%20paper%202004.pdf)
The Cochrane Collaboration
The Cochrane Collaboration is an international organization that aims to help
people make well-informed decisions about health care.
It is a non-profit-organization made up by collaborative
review groups. These review groups are comprised of researchers, health care
professionals, doctors, and physicians who share the common interest in
generating reliable, accurate, up date information regarding health care
problems.
The main output of the Cochrane Collaboration is the Cochrane
Library found on the Internet. The Library is updated quarterly and distributed
on an annual subscription basis. In 2004, Cochrane will hold its 12th Cochrane
Colloquium in Ottawa Ontario, October 2nd - 6th 2004. (See our
Conference Diary for details and links.)
All residents of Australia
with access to the Internet can access the Cochrane Library for free. Simply go
to our search function for directions.
Search
(http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/home/hm007_search.asp)
Conference
Diary 2004
Submit brief conference/meeting details to the National Asthma
Council for possible posting in our Conference Diary by email to
nac@NationalAsthma.org.au.
Created July 25, 2004. Updated
January 29, 2008
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