An audit of Spirometry at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria (2002—2009).
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Date
2010
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Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Abstract
Background: Spirometry is a noninvasive and cost-effective physiologic test that greatly complements other
investigative procedures in evaluation of respiratory conditions. This study was aimed at auditing the spirometry
performed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Ilorin, Nigeria, and highlighting some of the challenges
associated with the procedure.
Methods: We reviewed and analyzed the record of spirometry performed at the cardiopulmonary unit of the hospital
from June 2002 to December 2009.
Results: A total of 119 patients had spirometry tests from 2002 to 2009 and their age ranged from 15 to 85 years with
a mean of 47.6 ± 14.8 years. There were 69 (58%) males and the male:female ratio was 1.4:1. More than half (65%)
of the tests were in patients <50 years old. The rate of spirometry performed annually increased from 12 (10.1%) in
2002 to 31 (26.1%) in year 2009. Evaluation of bronchial asthma was the most common indication for spirometry (43
patients; 36.1%). Majority of the requests (84 patients; 70.6%) were from adult respiratory physicians. The identified
challenges were lack of awareness of the range of diseases that could be investigated by spirometry, lack of skills
in interpreting the results, lack of time and delays in replacing exhausted consumables and faulty components of
spirometer.
Conclusion: Gradually, the trend of spirometry request is increasing in UITH; however, a wider acceptability could
be achieved for this test by raising the level of awareness and improving the skills of all doctors on the usefulness
and interpretation of spirometry
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Keywords
Audit, challenges, respiratory disease, spirometry, utilization