Feedback Reports and e-Learning in Primary Care Spirometry (FRESCO)

Radboud University Medical Center

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 4

Conditions: Asthma; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Treatments: Other: e-learning & performance feedback; Other: usual practice

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00962455

UMCN-CARA-0001113

Details and patient eligibility

About

Spirometry is a biomedical test to measure lung function in subject who (may) have a chronic respiratory condition. Performing the test requires a certain level of training and experience from the health care professional who conducts the test, and sufficient cooperation of the patient. Although the test is widely used in primary care in many countries, the quality of the test performance seems limited and needs improvement in order to avoid false-positive and false-negative test interpretations. In this study, the researchers investigated whether a combination of e-learning and bimonthly written performance feedback to family practice nurses and assistance regarding their spirometry tests improves the rate of adequate tests.

Enrollment: 1,135 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Family Practices:

• collaboration with Elkerliek Hospital Helmond through regional integrated care support service ('QUARTZ')
• purchased spirometer through this support service
• have implemented spirometry as a part of routine patient care

Inclusion Criteria for Patients:

• registered in one of the participating family practices
• performed a spirometry test as a part of routine care during the observation period of the study

Exclusion Criteria for Patients:

• age < 10 years

Trial design

1,135 participants in 2 patient groups

e-learning & performance feedback

Experimental group

Description:

Initial e-learning by studying CD-Rom 'Spirometry Fundamentals', followed by repeated periodic performance feedback on spirometry test quality

Treatment:

Other: e-learning & performance feedback

Usual practice

Active Comparator group

Description:

Usual practice regarding spirometry execution in family practice

Treatment:

Other: usual practice