Spirometry copd nice. Aug 10, 2025 · perform spirometry in people who are over 35, current or ex-smokers, and have a chronic cough consider spirometry in people with chronic bronchitis. Symptoms may be common to a number of conditions, and can include wheezing, breathlessness and coughing. It is hoped the new guidelines for the management of COPD from the National GOLD Spirometry Guide Updated June 2010. To identify, review and summarise the economic evidence of the included technologies used to support initial diagnosis Mar 25, 2021 · Recommendation 1. Differentiation between asthma and COPD is important because several aspects of the guideline-recommended management strategies differ for these conditions. Jul 28, 2011 · Quality statements Statement 1 People aged over 35 years who present with a risk factor and 1 or more symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have post‑bronchodilator spirometry. Spirometry is a safe and practical procedure; the majority of patients are able to provide acceptable and repeatable results. Diagnosis involves spirometry testing to measure the volume of air that can be exhaled; it is often performed after The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report states that the diagnosis of COPD should be considered in individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms and/or exposure to risk factors. Accurate interpretation hinges on understanding the key parameters and patterns. In this context, spirometric airflow-obstruction establishes COPD. Support and access to services to help people stop smoking are covered in NICE’s quality standard on tobacco. The goals of the initial COPD assessment Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults in primary and secondary care (partial update) This guideline partially updates and replaces NICE clinical guideline 12 Recommendations for spirometry in people with respiratory conditions vary depending on their diagnoses. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement COPD - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Kyle Toovey7h Meaning pleaseAsthma / COPD Overlap - FEV1 2. There are an estimated 3 million people with the disease (900 000 diagnosed and 2. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 3(1), 11-29. GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COPD: 2025 Report Evidence-based strategy document for COPD diagnosis, management, and prevention, with citations from the scientific literature. and Booth, S. Aug 10, 2025 · The investigations for COPD include: spirometry is the most reproducible and objective measurement of airflow limitation should be performed at the time of diagnosis and to reconsider the diagnosis, for patients who show an exceptionally good response to treatment a decrease in both FEV1 and FVC is seen in COPD measurements are evaluated by comparison with reference values based on age, height It is recommended in NICE's guidance on COPD that European Respiratory Journal GLI 2012 and GLI 2022 reference values are used for spirometry, but it is recognised that these values are not applicable for all ethnic groups. To ensure early diagnosis, spirometry should be done in primary care when a person presents with a risk factor for COPD (which is usually smoking) and 1 or more symptoms of COPD (for example Spirometry is used in conjunction with clinical assessment for diagnosis of lung disease, but also for case-finding and disease monitoring. It is the recommended objective test performed to identify abnormalities in lung volumes and air flow16. Jul 28, 2011 · A diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by post‑bronchodilator spirometry supported by a quality-control process. It is a challenging test for both the tester and the patient, with several particular and unusual activities that must be done in a timely fashion. Spirometry may be used to monitor progression Statement 1 People aged over 35 years who present with a risk factor and one or more symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have post-bronchodilator spirometry. (2008) End of life care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: in search of a good death. Training ‘All healthcare professionals managing patients with COPD should be competent in the interpretation of the results of spirometry and all healthcare professionals performing spirometry should have undergone appropriate training and keep their skills up to date’ (NICE 2004) Mar 25, 2024 · The proportions of Black and White individuals reclassified were similar with z score thresholds, and changes in severity corresponded to clinical risk with z scores. These researchers found that the new GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COPD: 2024 Report Evidence-based strategy document for COPD diagnosis, management, and prevention, with citations from the scientific literature. There is, however, confusion and debate around training, interpretation of results and when to undertake spirometry in practice. May 28, 2024 · Recommendations for interpreting spirometry severity classifications have recently been updated to include race-neutral reference equations and z scores. The annual report of GOLD makes few revisions and updates besides including data from the preceding year. These results support recent recommendations for use of race-neutral equations and z score thresholds for spirometry interpretation. However, in this article, we present the potential benefits of targeted spirometry in high-risk patient groups. Routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults is not recommended. This test is carried out on people presenting with symptoms that are associated with COPD including breathlessness, chronic cough or sputum production and /or a history of risk factors such as current or previous tobacco smoking and/or other smoked drugs and occupational exposures. Jun 12, 2013 · This guideline covers diagnosing and managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in people aged 18 and over. The December 2018 update saw the expert committee review the evidence on diagnosis and prognosis, inhaled combination therapies A diagnosis of COPD is dependent on the presence of characteristic symptoms of cough and breathlessness, examination (principally to rule out other causes of cough/breathlessnes, such as cardiac disease, other lung disease), and the demonstration of airflow obstruction on spirometry. Reversibility testing life and practically, how many practices will have the time or adequately trained staff to perform these tests to the appropriate technical level? Sur-veys show spirometry is . At an interval, GOLD comes up with a significant modification in its guidelines Mar 16, 2017 · NICE guidelines now recommend the use of spirometry to diagnose COPD, but as Karen Strivens points out, some confusion exists over how to diagnose it The use of spirometry is recommended by national guidelines to aid the diagnosis of COPD. The use of post-bronchilator spirometry is used in the updated classification of COPD (2): Jul 9, 2018 · This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in people aged 16 and over. Evidence Apr 11, 2025 · Understanding spirometry results doesn’t have to be complicated. 7%) of those with airflow obstruction had no previously known respiratory diagnosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a treatable (but not curable) and largely preventable lung disease. SPIROMETRY IMPLEMENTATION QUICK GLANCE GUIDE Spirometry: A measure of airflow (how fast) and volume (how much) Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The volume delivered during an expiration made as forcefully and completely as possible starting from full inspiration. [2011, updated 2016] Statement 2 People with COPD who are prescribed an inhaler have their inhaler technique assessed when starting or changing treatment and then at least annually during treatment There is considerable variation in reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence internationally, partly due to differing definitions in use. Table 1 shows the commonly used format and the new recommendation for reporting spirometry measurements, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) using LLN and z-scores. On the day of the test you will be supported and coached by a qualified technician in how to perform the test. Oct 14, 2024 · Spirometry is a test of lung function, used in the diagnosis of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. These technologies are multicomponent and include at least 3 components of self-management: education about the condition an individualised self-management plan within the technology symptom tracking by the user remote monitoring functionality exercise Jun 23, 2010 · Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management Clinical guideline CG101 Published: 23 June 2010 Assessment of airway obstruction plays a key role in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order to find current smokers a questionnaire was sent to persons who had been on sick leave for more than two weeks. 1 Spirometry measures the maximal volume of air forcibly exhaled from Abstract Context Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent respiratory conditions with overlapping disease characteristics. But spirometry alone cannot ensure the assessment is accurate Scenario: End-stage COPD: Covers the management of people with COPD that is very severe, unresponsive to usual medical treatment, and associated with a likely life expectancy of less than 6–12 months. A comprehensive guide to the use of spirometry in clinical practice, including an overview of information provided by spirometry, when to perform this test, interpretation of spirogram results, and troubleshooting. GOLD Spirometry Guide Download Now Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical diagnosis that should be based on carefully history taking, the presence of symptoms and assessment of airway obstruction (also called airflow limitation). 1 2 3 This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Aug 18, 2014 · The standard respiratory function test for case detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is spirometry. Aug 27, 2025 · To identify, review and summarise evidence of the clinical effects and safety of technologies that apply algorithms to spirometry to support healthcare professionals in making an initial diagnosis for patients with suspected lung conditions, when compared with standard care. Jun 15, 2004 · Most nurses who care for adult patients will care for people with COPD. How to perform spirometry: Explain the purpose of the test and describe it clearly to the patient. Of Jul 14, 2025 · The most common lung conditions are asthma and chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD). 7 after bronchodilator. The diagnosis of COPD is dependent upon clinical judgment and confirmation of the presence of airflow obstruction using spirometry. Dec 10, 2022 · Conclusion Spirometry testing provides objective data that can help make a diagnosis of COPD and help in the management of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is individually tailored, multidisciplinary care program for people with COPD that aims to optimize physical and psychological conditions through exercise training; education; and nutritional, psychological, and behavioural interventions. [Abstract] The recent guidelines on the management of COPD published by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the British Thoracic Society (BTS) recommend that PR should be available to all appropriate patients. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of symptoms and signs, and is supported by spirometry. The test itself measures exhaled volume and/or flow against time from a maximum intake of breath - how much, and how quickly, patients can breathe in and out. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is managed with lifestyle and pharmacological interventions, as well as self-management term chronic obstructive pul- The monary disease (COPD) is used to describe a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Follow-up of all people with COPD should include: highlighting the diagnosis of COPD in the case record and recording this using Read codes on a computer database recording the values of spirometric tests performed at diagnosis (both absolute and percent predicted) offering advice and treatment to help them stop smoking, and referral to specialist stop smoking services (see the NICE Pathway on A new national guideline for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in June. Learn spirometry for COPD diagnosis & management in primary care. interpreting spirometry Results: Diagnosis and staging of cOPD interpreting spirometry Results: Diagnosis and staging of cOPD Spirometry is essential for confirming a clinical diagnosis of COPD, and provides a useful description of the severity of the disease in addition to monitoring the progression of the disease over time. This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in people aged 16 and over. Spirometry is now routinely available; however, spirometry incorrectly performed or interpreted can lead to The committee therefore recommended against using spirometry as a standalone test for asthma but emphasised the importance of spirometry in assessing other causes of breathlessness which must be distinguished from asthma, in particular COPD which is a common alternate cause of breathlessness in adults. Forced spirometry demonstrating airflow Traditionally, the PFT reports have presented the measurements only as a percentage of predicted values. The spirometric criterion required for a diagnosis of COPD is an FEV1/FVC ratio below 0. The guidelines for performing spirometry are detailed and specific, and the tester must understand them and know how to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend routine spirometry before major surgery. 4 Status: Final Authorized by: Lothian Respiratory MCN Authorization: April 2018 Date added to Intranet: Key Words: Lothian COPD Guidelines, respiratory, breathless, spirometry, pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oxygen therapy The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on thinking of it as a cause of breathlessness or cough. This review identifies the epidemiologic, etiologic, and clinical distinctions of these What is spirometry Spirometry is a routine breathing test that is easy to perform. A long time had elapsed between the update and previous guideline, and other guidance, such as Jul 28, 2011 · This quality standard covers assessing, diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can detect Apr 20, 2020 · Demographics Demographics are the first and fundamental part of a spirometry trace. 1 million undiagnosed), and COPD is estimated to be the third highest cause of mortality worldwide by the year 2020. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of symptoms and signs and is supported by spirometry. For case-finding, clinicians may use rapid non-diagnostic spirometry to exclude people who have symptoms but normal lung function - those with abnormal results then proceed to diagnostic spirometry. Jul 28, 2011 · A diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by post‑bronchodilator spirometry supported by a quality-control process. Nov 12, 2024 · A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in any patient who has dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, a history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease, but spirometry showing the presence of a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0. Recommendation 2. Spirometry Quick Guide Updated June 2010. This can lead to Jan 4, 2019 · NICE has released its updated 2018 guidelines on diagnosis of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s. View the 2024 Summary of Changes POCKET GUIDE TO COPD DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION: 2024 Report A quick-reference guide for physicians and nurses, with key information about patient The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on thinking of it as a cause of breathlessness or cough. Improve early detection. The definition of airflow Aug 10, 2025 · NICE suggests that post-bronchodilator spirometry should be measured to confirm the diagnosis of COPD (2). [2011, updated 2016] Feb 9, 2017 · The NICE guideline on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s states that spirometry should be done at diagnosis, and repeated to consider a second diagnosis if a person shows an exceptional response to treatment. This has led to the adoption of the cut-off of lower than the fifth centile Mar 27, 2025 · Spirometry is essential in diagnosing and monitoring chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. NICE has also produced a Spirometry can be a valuable asset in the diagnosis and management of COPD. Spirometry may be used to monitor progression The diagnosis of COPD relies on accurate assessment of airflow obstruction, by spirometry. Abstract The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced a 2010 partial update of its original 2004 Guidelines on COPD management. The 2018 update makes recommendations on the most effective inhaled therapies, oxygen therapies, lung volume reduction procedures, and self-management and exacerbation plans. It aims to help people with COPD to receive a diagnosis earlier so that they can benefit from treatments to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and keep them healthy for longer. 7, it is recognised that this measure can lead to overdiagnosis in older people, and underdiagnosis in younger people. Spirometry Quick Guide Download Now Assessment of airway obstruction plays a key role in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How to interpret spirometry readings Spirometry is necessary for correctly diagnosing patients with respiratory disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although the traditional criteria of airflow obstruction has been a post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ration of <0. May 23, 2025 · 1. Learn how Buddy, your ndd spirometry coach, can help ensure reliable results and meaningful interpretation. A brief guide to how and when … Continue reading In December 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published its long-awaited update to the 2010 guideline on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in over 16-year-olds. The GOLD international COPD guidelines1, as well as national guidelines2, advise spirometry as the gold standard for accurate and repeatable measurement of lung function. Spirometry is now routinely available; however, spirometry incorr Spirometry testing plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of COPD and asthma in the primary care setting. The NICE guideline on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s states that spirometry should be done at diagnosis, and repeated to consider a second diagnosis if a person shows an exceptional response to treatment. 1 Although technically only applicable to England and Wales (and even then only if adopted by the Welsh Assembly), it will be perceived by many international authorities as ‘the British guideline’ (with Jul 28, 2011 · This quality standard covers assessing, diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NICE | The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical diagnosis that should be based on carefully history taking, the presence of symptoms and assessment of airway obstruction (also called airflow limitation). The use of post-bronchilator spirometry is used in the updated classification of COPD (2): May 4, 2020 · This article uses a case study to discuss the symptoms, causes and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, describing the patient’s associated pathophysiology. Those who smoked more than 8 cigarettes per day were invited to perform a spirometry Sep 28, 2023 · Spirometry is the only accurate method of measuring the airflow obstruction in patients with COPD. Updated spirometry section A new flowchart elaborating on the role of pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry for the assessment of airflow obstruction and diagnosis of COPD has been included in the spirometry section. Abstract Clinical trials of pharmacotherapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often include older persons with moderate-to-severe airflow-obstruction, as defined by the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). In patients with risk factors for and symptoms of COPD, spirometry is required to confirm the diagnosis, defined as a postbronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC ratio of <0. Accurate estimates of disease prevalence are important for allocation of health-care Clinical diagnosis of COPD is based on the results of spirometry. [2011, updated 2016] Jul 1, 2018 · A structured approach to spirometry interpretation, including an overview of how to differentiate between restrictive and obstructive lung disease. Dec 5, 2018 · The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on thinking of it as a cause of breathlessness or cough. You will be required to have your height and weight measured as part of the assessment. Quality statement 1: Diagnosis with spirometry Quality statement People aged over 35 years who present with a risk factor and 1 or more symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have post-bronchodilator spirometry. Patients with suspected COPD should have the Jun 25, 2010 · Over three million people in the United Kingdom are estimated to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), of whom more than two million remain undiagnosed, representing the so called “missing millions” alluded to in the draft national strategy for COPD. Spirometry should be performed at the time of diagnosis and to reconsider the diagnosis, if patients show an exceptionally good response to treatment. Table 2 shows the categorization of impairment of lung function based on categories of FEV1 Jul 14, 2025 · The most common lung conditions are asthma and chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD). Spirometry may also be used to monitor the severity of some other lung conditions and their response to treatment. For diagnosis of COPD, a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of <0·7 on post-bronchodilator spirometry still remains mandatory Understanding your spirometry test results Kuopio, Finland February 20, 2024 Spirometry is a critical tool for assessing lung health, particularly for diagnosing, managing, and monitoring conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory ailments 1. DIAGNOSIS OF COPD A diagnosis of COPD is dependent on the presence of characteristic symptoms of cough and breathlessness, examination (principally to rule out other causes of cough/breathlessnes, such as cardiac disease, other lung disease), and the demonstration of airflow obstruction on spirometry. 1 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Dec 5, 2018 · This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) in people aged 16 and older. Refer the person for pulmonary rehabilitation if they are functionally disabled by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly 6% of Americans. Here are practical tips and best practices for using spirometry to optimize care. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK with around 30 000 deaths per annum. Jun 7, 2017 · The diagnosis of COPD is dependent upon clinical judgment and confirmation of the presence of airflow obstruction using spirometry. Objective lung function measurement tests are therefore needed to confirm the diagnosis for people with suspected lung disease. Excerpt This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) in people aged 16 and older. Height, sex and age are the basis of the predicted values, whether using the European Community for Steel and Coal values (ECSC 1993) 5 or more recent Global Lung Function Dec 5, 2018 · The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on thinking of it as a cause of breathlessness or cough. Jan 11, 2024 · The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report is an essential resource for all clinicians who strive to provide optimal care to patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Jun 2, 2025 · Spirometry is a test that can help diagnose various lung conditions, most commonly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Verifying the accuracy of the spirometer, using accurate patient demographics and appropriate reference equations, and Study with Quizlet and memorise flashcards containing terms like How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosed?, What additional factors should be considered in diagnosing COPD?, How does spirometry contribute to the diagnosis of COPD? and others. To ensure early diagnosis, spirometry should be done in primary care when a person presents with a risk factor for COPD (which is usually smoking) and 1 or more symptoms of COPD (for example Lothian Respiratory (COPD) MCN Category/Level/Type: Level 2 Guideline Version: 0. Practical guide with case studies & nurses' experiences. It is also used to monitor the progression of the disease. Of 183 patients who underwent targeted preoperative spirometry, 25/70 (35. Thorax 75(5), 370-404. COPD is a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by Aug 10, 2025 · NICE suggests that post-bronchodilator spirometry should be measured to confirm the diagnosis of COPD (2). [Abstract] Spathis, A. Jul 29, 2019 · The interventions of highest value for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are treatment and support to stop smoking, pulmonary rehabilitation in patients limited by breathlessness, and flu vaccination Choice of initial long acting inhaled therapies depends on the presence or Dec 19, 2024 · Digital technologies to support self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) provide various aspects of self-management. The patient data should be recorded correctly as incorrect measurement will result in all the predicted values of the trace being invalid. 35L (49% predicted) what dose this mean please Amy Peterson and 3 others 4 22 Linda Wright It means you have features of both asthma High-quality, ofice-based spirometry provides diagnostic information as useful and reliable as testing performed in a pulmonary function laboratory. It does not cover COPD prevention, screening or case finding. View the 2025 Summary of Changes POCKET GUIDE TO COPD DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION: 2025 Report A quick-reference guide for physicians and nurses, with key information about patient Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Last revised in May 2025 Summary Have I got the right topic? How up-to-date is this topic? Goals and outcome measures Background information Management Prescribing information Supporting evidence How this topic was developed References Diagnosis - COPD Dec 4, 2007 · The aim was to compare the diagnosis of COPD among smokers according to different international guidelines and to compare the outcome when using slow (SVC) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Overview This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) in people aged 16 and older. The test is used to see how your lungs are performing. FEV1 and forced vital capacity should be measured at least once a year in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A significant proportion of these people will go on to develop airflow limitation NICE suggests that post-bronchodilator spirometry should be measured to confirm the diagnosis of COPD (2). 7 (NS, NICE, GOLD). Mar 15, 2020 · High-quality, office-based spirometry provides diagnostic information as useful and reliable as testing performed in a pulmonary function laboratory. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose the condition and provide effective symptom management Dec 5, 2018 · In December 2018, we updated and replaced this guideline with NICE guideline NG115 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in over 16s: diagnosis and management. The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 reference ranges 5 are recommended (NS, NICE). 7 is mandatory to establish the diagnosis of COPD. The importance of diagnostic spirometry lies in the fact that it is both a test of exclusion and a test of inclusion. Part of the GOLD Implementation Toolbox. The criterion for diagnosis defined in guidelines is based on the FEV1/FVC ratio forced expiratory ratio (FER) and its severity Pulmonary function was measured using bedside spirometry at 24, 32 and 72 h and showed in the postoperative period a mean improvement of 30% for FEV1, 24% for forced vital capacity (FVC) and 19% for peak expiratory ow rate fl (PEFR) compared with placebo. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement. zh7zj kbm2 lvw xa sklqn wem1 fhbm bvxy 9pboub sffxbeh