Spirometry Level 5 Open College Network (OCN) NI accredited

The student will:

• Learn how to care for and maintain their spirometer
• Understand how prepare and use all elements of the equipment – this will include the spirometer itself (all types), relevant software programmes and integration with General Practice’s clinical systems – where relevant.
• Be able to optimally prepare the patient and ensure it is safe to proceed with the test
• Learn how to accurately record all necessary parameters and appreciate why this is essential to gaining an accurate result
• Learn how to achieve consistently accurate, reproducible spirometry results that are worthy of interpretation

1. The student will be able to care for and maintain all spirometry equipment
2. Know how to calibrate the spirometer.
3. Know how to optimally prepare the patient prior to carrying out spirometry- and know when it the test is contra-indicated
4. Be able to obtain consistently gain good quality, accurate and reproducible readings
5. Be able to assess the quality of the patient’s blow to ensure that all readings are worthy of interpretation
6. (Level 5 only) Be competent in accurately interpreting spirometry readings and correlate the results to the patient’s presentation.

Suitable for all HCP and HCA.

• Two COMPULSARY study days – conducted either via Zoom, face to face or a hybrid of both (COVID-19 depending) – the study days will include both theoretical and practical components (if restrictions are still in place the students will be offered an alternative practical experience)

The Practical assessment – which will include:

• Discuss the appropriate cleaning and decontamination of the equipment.
• Demonstrate how to verify the calibration of the device using a 3litre syringe
• Discuss the preparation of the equipment and patient
• Perform a Spirometric test on a subject and confirm if it is worthy of interpretation and be able to explain why
• Two unseen readings – Examine the two unseen readings and systematically confirm their suitability for interpretation

Once all the practical assessment components have been successfully completed – the student can progress to compile a portfolio of 7 spirometry readings which will be accurate in terms of quality and reproducibility – worthy of interpretation

Coursework – Portfolio of evidence to include 7 technically acceptable and reproducible spirometry readings – that you will examine and report on the reproducibility and accuracy in preparation for interpretation – using the three-point rule