become more common for lung function
monitoring of confirmed cases of respiratory disease, the backlogs for pulmonary function testing have been building steadily throughout the pandemic. International guidance on the considerations for resuming pulmonary function services and testing postCOVID has been reasonably consistent. The top 5 key points to consider when re
5 Key Considerations For Restarting Lung Function Testing By Vitalograph
T
When considering the re-start of testing, thought should be given to whether the clinical need and the potential benefits of testing outweigh
pandemic has affected all areas
the risks posed by performing the test.
of healthcare, including
Consideration should also be given to
pulmonary function testing services
prioritising groups of patients, with a
which have either been greatly reduced
focus on those for whom pulmonary
or stopped entirely. The re-starting of
function testing will potentially impact
these services requires urgent action so
their treatment pathway or determine
that we can resume the management of
their onward care.
interventions.
2. Is there a need for pretest COVID screening?
Patients with respiratory conditions and
International respiratory organisations
those who display symptoms have
recommend that some institutions may
received the best possible care and
prefer a strategy of testing for SARS-
management that has been allowed
CoV-2 in all patients who are scheduled
during this time. However, with
to undergo PFTs. This could also include
diagnosis often dependent on
the use of pre-attendance
spirometry testing, some provisional
questionnaires.
diagnosis and therapeutic / referral
diagnoses have seen prescribed strategies that may not be required
3. Appropriate PPE and room ventilation.
during the wait for spirometry testing3.
Patients should be instructed in cough
medication and disease management
Similar principles apply to post-COVID recovery patients and the monitoring of their lung function with both spirometry and DLco testing. Whilst tele-monitoring from home has OH TODAY
1. Do the benefits outweigh the risk?
he impact of the COVID-19
respiratory disease through correct
38
-starting are:
Spring 2022
etiquette and wear a surgical mask as much as possible to avoid aerosol dispersion, while staff should wear appropriate PPE. Adequate room ventilation is strongly advised. If