Lung Function Survey

A big thank you to all the medical practitioners that completed the recent survey on our Respiratory Lab. The response rate was a healthy 58%.

The aim of the survey was to rate the service we provided and use this information to implement quality improvement strategies.

The survey focused on rating various components of the service, seeking information on what barriers there are for referring patients and asking for constructive feedback on how we might improve the service.

The results were very encouraging. Seventy one percent of respondents had used the service previously. Of these the overall rating for the service was;

• very high 29%
• high 56%
• low 12%
• very low 1%
• na 2%

Of the 21% who had not referred a patient before the common reasons were lack of information about the service, spirometry on site and distance to travel to testing.

Eighteen comments were provided. A sample of these were;

'referral pad similar to limestone physicians group distributed to gp's'

'more education on GP use of service'

'appointment given at earliest are always good but at the same it I understand wait is bad'.

'

always very prompt and helpful'

'maybe need improved education with ‘others’

'Appt times!!'

'Not in Warrnambool'

'Lack of information about service-best indications for particular test'

'Pt info handouts on expected costs (often raised as a concern in early COPD)'

'make available for patients to see and have tests done locally in Horsham'

These comments highlighted a common thread that more information and education about lung function testing is warranted throughout the region.

During 2010 we intend to visit all practices in the catchment to meet with GP's and practice nurses. We will also continually make sure the medical community is kept up to date with what tests we are offering and dates we will be visiting various locations.

We are also able to offer practical demonstrations of our testing and in early 2010 plan to conduct a demonstration of cardiopulmonary exercise testing at or Hamilton rooms.

Referral forms are available via this link.

Once again thank you to all those who replied. This information is invaluable for the continued growth of this service.

Jessica