All health professionals conducting spirometry should be appropriately trained.

NAC workshops

The National Asthma Council Australia offers two types of spirometry training workshops for GPs and practice nurses:

• Spirometry Training Course (6 hours) - comprehensive training in the application, measurement and interpretation of expiratory spirometry in general practice
• Spirometry Training Update (2 hours) - refresher training for those who have undertaken formal spirometry training previously

Our workshops are delivered in cities and regional centres across Australia. Attendance is free. For more information, go to: Asthma and Respiratory Education Program

Endorsed courses

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) endorses spirometry training courses that meet its educational standards.

Our 6-hour Spirometry Training Course was an endorsed spirometry training course for GPs under its previous iteration (offered 2007-2009). Application for endorsement of the new iteration is in progress.

Other ANZSRS endorsed courses include those run through:

• Lung Health Promotion Centre at the Alfred in Melbourne: www.lunghealth.org.au/
• Royal Perth and Princess Margaret Hospitals in Perth: www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/development/spirometry/index.htm

The full list of ANZSRS endorsed spirometry training courses is available from: www.anzsrs.org.au/escourses.html

Your local respiratory function laboratory is also a good source of information.

Content updated June 28, 2010