The National Asthma Council Australia has released an updated set of spirometry resources to guide primary health care professionals in performing and interpreting this important lung function test.
The comprehensive update to the Spirometry Handbook for primary care and associated publications offers practical guidance, presented in a clear and user-friendly format.
National Asthma Council Asthma and Respiratory Educator Marg Gordon says performing and interpreting spirometry correctly is essential knowledge for health practitioners diagnosing and monitoring lung conditions.
“The Spirometry Handbook has provided trusted information for those working in primary care since it was first published in 1995. A multidisciplinary working group thoroughly reviewed these resources to ensure the information is in line with international standards and current practice,” Ms Gordon says.
The 2020 edition of the Spirometry Handbook is free to download from the National Asthma Council website and endorsed by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.
While information about performing spirometry during the COVID-19 pandemic is outside the scope of these resources, the National Asthma Council has developed guidance in the Australian Asthma Handbook.
“Practitioners should take precautions during this time, as spirometry could potentially spread infected aerosol bourne droplets into the surrounding air and onto surfaces,” Ms Gordon says.
“Spirometry should be avoided in patients who are febrile or have an escalating acute respiratory condition. Recommendations are to make sure the spirometer has an inline filter and follow strict infection control measures even when performing spirometry on well people.”
Visit the Australian Asthma Handbook for more information about spirometry and managing asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health professionals can download free copies of the National Asthma Council’s full suite of spirometry resources, including the Spirometer buyers’ guide, online.
For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:
Lelde McCoy, The Reputation Group.
Mobile: 0417 362 768
Email: lm@thereputationgroup.com.au
