Telemedicine spirometry training and quality assurance program in primary care centers of a public health system.

BACKGROUND: Forced spirometry is essential for diagnosing respiratory diseases and is widely used across levels of care. However, several studies have shown that spirometry quality in primary care is not ideal, with risks of misdiagnosis. Our objective was to assess the feasibility and performance of a telemedicine-based training and quality assurance program for forced spirometry in primary care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The two phases included (1) a 9-month pilot study involving 15 centers, in which spirometry tests were assessed by the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment, and (2) the introduction of the program to all centers in the Public Basque Health Service. Technicians first received 4 h of training, and, subsequently, they sent all tests to the reference laboratory using the program. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with clinical guidelines (A and B, good; C-F, poor). RESULTS: In the first phase, 1,894 spirometry tests were assessed, showing an improvement in quality: acceptable quality tests increased from 57% at the beginning to 78% after 6 months and 83% after 9 months (p<0.001). In the second phase, 7,200 spirometry tests were assessed after the inclusion of 36 additional centers, maintaining the positive trend (61%, 87%, and 84% at the same time points; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: (1) The quality of spirometry tests improved in all centers. (2) The program provides a tool for transferring data that allows monitoring of its quality and training of technicians who perform the tests. (3) This approach is useful for improving spirometry quality in the routine practice of a public health system.

[Benefits of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Beneficios de un programa de rehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria en pacientes con EPOC grave.

OBJECTIVE: The benefits of a domiciliary program of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with severe to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are uncertain. We aimed to assess the short- and medium-term efficacy of such a program in this clinical setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with severe COPD (stages III-IV, classification of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) and incapacitating dyspnea (scores 3-5, Medical Research Council [MRC] scale) were randomized to a control or domiciliary rehabilitation group. The 9-week supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program included educational sessions, respiratory physiotherapy, and muscle training in weekly sessions in the patient's home. We assessed the following variables at baseline, 9 weeks, and 6 months: lung function, exercise tolerance (3-minute walk test), dyspnea (MRC score), and health-related quality of life with the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with a mean (SD) age of 68 (6) years were enrolled. The mean MRC score was 4 (0.8) and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 29% of reference. Twenty-nine patients completed the study (6 months). Distance covered on the walk test increased significantly in the rehabilitation group (P=.001) and the difference was maintained at 6 months. Dyspnea also improved significantly with rehabilitation (P<.05), but the reduction was not evident at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements in symptoms related to 2 CRQ domains were detected between baseline and 9 weeks: dyspnea (3.1 [0.8] vs 3.6 [0.7]; P=.02) and fatigue (3.7 [0.8] vs 4.2 [0.9]; P=.002). A clinically relevant but not statistically significant change in mastery over disease was detected (from 4.3 to 4.9). All improvements were maintained at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with severe to very severe COPD and severe functional incapacity leads to improvements in exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life that are maintained at 6 months.

Economic Assessment and Budgetary Impact of a Telemedicine Procedure and Spirometry Quality Control in the Primary Care Setting.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the economic impact of a telemedicine procedure designed to improve the quality of lung function testing (LFT) in primary care in a public healthcare system, compared with the standard method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The economic impact of 9,039 LFTs performed in 51 health centers (2010-2013) using telespirometry (TS) compared to standard spirometry (SS) was studied. RESULTS: TS costs more per unit than SS (€47.80 vs. €39.70) (2013), but the quality of the TS procedure is superior (84% good quality, compared to 61% using the standard procedure). Total cost of TS was €431,974 (compared with €358,306€ for SS), generating an economic impact of €73,668 (2013). The increase in cost for good quality LFT performed using TS was €34,030 (2010) and €144,295 (2013), while the costs of poor quality tests fell by €15,525 (2010) and 70,627€ (2013). CONCLUSION: The cost-effectiveness analysis concludes that TS is 23% more expensive and 46% more effective. Healthcare costs consequently fall as the number of LFTs performed by TS rises. Avoiding poor quality, invalid LFTs generates savings that compensate for the increased costs of performing LFTs with TS, making it a cost-effective method.

Vibration response imaging versus perfusion scan in lung cancer surgery evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilation/perfusion scan is a standard procedure in high-risk surgical patients to predict pulmonary function after surgery. Vibration response imaging is a technique that could be used in these patients. The objective of our study was to compare this imaging technique with the usual scanning technique for predicting postoperative forced expiratory volume. METHODS: We assessed 48 patients with lung cancer who were candidates for lung resection. Forced spirometry, vibration response imaging, and ventilation/perfusion scan were performed in patients before surgery, and spirometry was performed after intervention. RESULTS: We included 48 patients (43 men; mean age, 64 years) undergoing lung cancer surgery (32 lobectomies/16 pneumonectomies). On comparison of both techniques, for pneumonectomy, we found a concordance of 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.92) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement of -0.33 to +0.45, with an average difference of 0.064. By comparing postoperative spirometry with vibration response imaging, we found a concordance of 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.93) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement of -0.60 to +0.33, with an average difference of -0.13. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 techniques presented good concordance values. Vibration response imaging shows non-negligible confidence intervals. Vibration response imaging may be useful in preoperative algorithms in patients before lung cancer surgery.

Telemedicina, una oportunidad para la espirometría / Telemedicine, an Opportunity for Spirometry

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Evaluación económica e impacto presupuestario de un procedimiento de telemedicina para el control de calidad de las espirometrías en atención primaria / Economic Assessment and Budgetary Impact of a Telemedicine Procedure and Spirometry Quality Control in the Primary Care Setting

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto económico de un sistema de telemedicina en un sistema público de salud para la mejora de la calidad de las espirometrías (espirometrías forzadas [EF]) en atención primaria. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha evaluado el impacto económico de 9.039 EF realizadas en 51 centros de salud (2010-2013) mediante teleespirometría (TE) comparándose con el sistema habitual. RESULTADOS: El sistema de TE encarece el coste unitario de la EF (47,8 € vs. 39,7 €) (2013), pero logra una mejora en la calidad de las mismas (un 84% con buena calidad, frente a un 61% mediante el procedimiento habitual). El coste total de la TE ha sido de 431.974 € (358.306 € por sistema habitual), lo que supone un impacto económico de 73.668 € (2013). El aumento de gasto para EF de buena calidad realizadas con TE fue de 34.030 € (2010) y de 144.295 € (2013), mientras que para las pruebas con mala calidad fue de -15.525€ (2010) y de -70.627€ (2013). CONCLUSIÓN: Del análisis coste-efectividad se concluye que la TE es un 23% más costosa y un 46% más efectiva. Asimismo, el gasto sanitario es menor a medida que el número de EF realizadas mediante TE aumenta. La no realización de EF de mala calidad, no válidas, supone un ahorro que compensa el aumento del gasto por la realización mediante TE, siendo un sistema coste-efectivo

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the economic impact of a telemedicine procedure designed to improve the quality of lung function testing (LFT) in primary care in a public healthcare system, compared with the standard method. Materials and methods: The economic impact of 9,039 LFTs performed in 51 health centers (2010-2013) using telespirometry (TS) compared to standard spirometry (SS) was studied. RESULTS: TS costs more per unit than SS (€47.80 vs. €39.70) (2013), but the quality of the TS procedure is superior (84% good quality, compared to 61% using the standard procedure). Total cost of TS was €431,974 (compared with €358,306€ for SS), generating an economic impact of €73,668 (2013). The increase in cost for good quality LFT performed using TS was €34,030 (2010) and €144,295 (2013), while the costs of poor quality tests fell by €15,525 (2010) and 70,627€ (2013). CONCLUSION: The cost-effectiveness analysis concludes that TS is 23% more expensive and 46% more effective. Healthcare costs consequently fall as the number of LFTs performed by TS rises. Avoiding poor quality, invalid LFTs generates savings that compensate for the increased costs of performing LFTs with TS, making it a cost-effective method

Muscle training with repetitive magnetic stimulation of the quadriceps in severe COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have used electrical neuromuscular stimulation as a physical training method in patients with severe COPD. We introduce the use of the more tolerable magnetic stimulation for the same purpose, investigating the effectiveness of an eight-week protocol. METHODS: Eighteen patients with severe COPD were randomly assigned to a magnetic stimulation training protocol, n=10, FEV(1)=30% (SD: 7) or to parallel clinical monitoring, control group, n=8, FEV(1)=35% (SD: 8). During eight weeks, patients were stimulated for 15min on each quadriceps femoris, three times per week. Quadriceps muscle strength and endurance measurements, quality-of-life questionnaires (SF36, SGRQ) and a six-minute walking test were all carried out before and after the training period in the stimulated and control subjects. RESULTS: All patients completed the training with increasing intensity of stimulation, displaying a significant improvement in voluntary quadriceps strength (17.5% of the baseline value) and exercise capacity, with a mean increase of 23m in the six-minute walking test. The questionnaire scores showed greater increases in quality-of-life scores in the trained subjects compared to the controls, particularly in the physical function areas: mean increments in SF36 in "physical function": +26, "role limitations due to physical problems": +40 and "vitality": +17.5, while +13, -4 and +1, respectively in controls. Saint George's "Activity" score improved by 19.6 points, for 11.5 in controls. CONCLUSIONS: In COPD patients who are limited due to dyspnoea, magnetic neuromuscular stimulation of the quadriceps constitutes a feasible training method for the lower limbs, with positive effects on the muscle function, effort capacity and perception areas.

Beneficios de un programa de rehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria en pacientes con EPOC grave / Benefits of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objetivo: Los beneficios de la rehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria (RRD) en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) de grado grave-muy grave son controvertidos. Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluar la eficacia a corto y medio plazo de un programa de RRD en pacientes con EPOC grave. Pacientes y métodos: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado en pacientes con EPOC grave (estadios III y IV de la clasificación GOLD) y disnea invalidante --puntuación de 3 a 5 en la escala del Medical Research Council (MRC)--, distribuidos en grupo control y grupo RRD. El programa de rehabilitación respiratoria fue de 9 semanas y consistía en educación, fisioterapia respiratoria y entrenamiento muscular con supervisión semanal en domicilio. Evaluamos en situación basal, a las 9 semanas y a los 6 meses la función pulmonar, la capacidad de ejercicio (prueba de la marcha de 3 min), la disnea (MRC) y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, determinada con el Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 38 pacientes, con una edad media ± desviación estándar de 68 ± 6 años (puntuación MRC: 4 ± 0,8; volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo: 29% del valor de referencia), y 29 completaron el seguimiento a los 6 meses. En el grupo RRD se incrementó significativamente la distancia recorrida en la prueba de la marcha de 3 min (p = 0,001), resultado que se mantuvo a los 6 meses. La disnea mejoró significativamente tras la RRD (p < 0,05), pero dicha mejoría desapareció a los 6 meses. Se observó una mejoría clínica y estadísticamente significativa en 2 dominios del CRQ, el de disnea (3,1 ± 0,8 frente a 3,6 ± 0,7; p = 0,02) y el de fatiga (3,7 ± 0,8 frente a 4,2 ± 0,9; p = 0,002), y tan sólo clínica (4,3 frente a 4,9) en el control de la enfermedad, mejorías que se mantuvieron a los 6 meses. Conclusiones: La RRD en pacientes con EPOC grave-muy grave y alta incapacidad funcional aporta beneficios en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la capacidad de ejercicio, que pueden mantenerse hasta los 6 meses

Objective: The benefits of a domiciliary program of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with severe to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are uncertain. We aimed to assess the short- and medium-term efficacy of such a program in this clinical setting. Patients and methods: Patients with severe COPD (stages III-IV, classification of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) and incapacitating dyspnea (scores 3-5, Medical Research Council [MRC] scale) were randomized to a control or domiciliary rehabilitation group. The 9-week supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program included educational sessions, respiratory physiotherapy, and muscle training in weekly sessions in the patient´s home. We assessed the following variables at baseline, 9 weeks, and 6 months: lung function, exercise tolerance (3-minute walk test), dyspnea (MRC score), and health-related quality of life with the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Results: Thirty-eight patients with a mean (SD) age of 68 (6) years were enrolled. The mean MRC score was 4 (0.8) and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 29% of reference. Twenty-nine patients completed the study (6 months). Distance covered on the walk test increased significantly in the rehabilitation group (P=.001) and the difference was maintained at 6 months. Dyspnea also improved significantly with rehabilitation (P<.05), but the reduction was not evident at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements in symptoms related to 2 CRQ domains were detected between baseline and 9 weeks: dyspnea (3.1 [0.8] vs 3.6 [0.7]; P=.02) and fatigue (3.7 [0.8] vs 4.2 [0.9]; P=.002). A clinically relevant but not statistically significant change in mastery over disease was detected (from 4.3 to 4.9). All improvements were maintained at 6 months. Conclusions: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with severe to very severe COPD and severe functional incapacity leads to improvements in exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life that are maintained at 6 months