Table 3 Summary of themes on spirometry from focus group discussions with general practitioners in practices receiving the visiting trained nurse (TN) model or usual care (UC) model of spirometry delivery
Spirometry themeTNUCTypical examples of statements by a GP
High quality essentialYesYes“It seems quite critical, that the person doing the actual testing is trained, and is aware of patients’ technique” TN model
GPs lack time to perform good quality spirometryNoYes“You’d have to use it all the time to get really efficient” UC model
Initiation by GPs not requiredYesNo“I probably wouldn’t be requesting spirometry, unless I already knew there was a problem” TN model
Nurse performed spirometry is less threatening for patientsYesYesNurses are “not too authoritarian” and are “very non-threatening” TN model
Systematic follow-up not achievedYesNo“It is fitted in among whatever is of primary concern to them, and so tends to go to the bottom of the heap” TN model
Lack of ownership of test resultYesNo“If I order a test I have some obligation to follow-up the results and discuss it with the patient” TN model
Use in differential diagnosisYesYes“I am looking for a reason why they are short of breath” UC model
Emphasis on clinical basis for diagnosis of respiratory diseaseYesYes“You can support what you already know, she is developing a respiratory problem with her smoking” TN model
Usefulness of recording a diagnosis of COPDYesYes“If you give them a label or not, I think it depends on what impression you give of how serious it actually seems to be, rather than just a label.” TN model
Classifying the severity of COPDYesYes“Well it helps you in making a diagnosis and helps you to quantify the degree of damage” TN model
Objective measurement useful in futureYesNo“Same as with hypertension, you have got a baseline of respiratory function” TN model
Identifying and recording smoking statusYesYes“I have identified a few patients who I didn’t know were smokers. I always thought I could smell them” UC model“I have been unaware they are smokers, or even ex-smokers” TN model
Discussing smoking cessationYesYes“It is an entry into talking about how to give up” TN model
Personalise quit adviceYesYes“You could say that if she stopped smoking there is a good chance she won’t get any worse” UC model
Cost a disincentive without appropriate fundingYesYes“Unless you are doing full lung function, you can’t claim anything” UC model