Assessing Utilization of Spirometry Among Pediatric Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in childhood, affecting 6.5% of children in the United States. Spirometry is the gold standard objective measure when diagnosing and managing asthma, yet it is underutilized in primary care.

Aim statement: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess pediatric primary care provider use of spirometry and perceived barriers to use.

Methods: The Knowledge-to-Action framework informed this quality improvement project. A focused review of current evidence was completed, and a survey was conducted to assess current spirometry practices and provider perspectives about spirometry.

Results: The majority of respondents (n = 37) reported that they diagnose and manage asthma regularly (mean = 4.08/5 ± 0.72) but do not use spirometry regularly (mean = 2.22/5 ± 0.98). The top reported barriers to spirometry utilization included availability, time, and training.

Conclusions: NPs can improve asthma care by advocating for spirometry in primary care. This manuscript provides strategies for incorporating spirometry into primary care practice.

Keywords: Asthma; Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) framework; pediatric APRN; pediatric nurse practitioner; pulmonary function test.