Problems of spirometry in the framework of the second stage of medical examination of the adult population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spirometry is a method of studying the function of external respiration, which is widely used for the diagnosis of various bronchial obstructive diseases. This diagnostic method was included in the list of studies required for the second stage of medical examination of the adult population for the purpose of additional examination and clarification of the diagnosis. The correct organization of the study increases its effectiveness: it affects the quality of the conduct, on the result of which early diagnosis and timely appointment of treatment depends on the detection of bronchopulmonary disease. AIM: To evaluate the organization of spirometry during the second stage of medical examination in real practice in outpatient medical organizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 9 polyclinics selected randomly from the list of polyclinics and polyclinic departments in St. Petersburg, which participated in the medical examination of the adult population in 2020 (n = 97). The evaluation of the process of conducting a spirometric study, as well as the analysis of the dispensary records of patients who underwent spirometry, were carried out according to pre-developed checklists. RESULTS: Among the medical organizations that took part in the study (n = 9), only in one polyclinic the prevention department was equipped with a spirometer. Employees of only four polyclinics (50%) had a certificate of training in spirometry or functional diagnostics. As part of the second stage of medical examination of the adult population, 251 spirometric studies were conducted, although there should have been much more, since the smoking factor in these polyclinics was established in 10,829 people according to the reporting form 131 Information on the medical examination of certain groups of the adult population for 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicate a low efficiency of the organization of the spirometry procedure.