World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Running a mass spirometry event

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 What is Spirometry? A quick, simple and non-invasive method to test lung function. Performed using a spirometer. Measures the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. Helps assess asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Used to diagnose and monitor patients with lung disease.

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Why organise an event? Raise awareness of lung health. Encourage people to get their lungs tested. Motivate medical professionals to work together, co-operate and make alliances with patient organisations. Demonstrate the importance of early detection of chronic lung disease. Identify previously undiagnosed problems. Improve diagnosis of respiratory conditions. Attract media attention.

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Testing requirements Target population: Adults (≥ 40 years) Children (6 years – adult) Testing area: respiratory physiology laboratory Equipment: –Spirometers will already be available –Additional hand held spirometers (for larger events) –Printers for results- Questionnaires –Mouth pieces- Water and cups –Tissues- Waste baskets –Name badges and t-shirts for staff

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Estimated costs to run a European event Under €1,000 for basic signage, flyers, posters, mailings to local GPs and contact with local media. Approx €40,000 to run a larger event to attract media interest. This may include paying a local PR agency to organise cooperation with local TV and radio and possibly a small press conference.

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Funding Funding should be covered on a local/ national level. You can approach possible sponsors, foundations, companies, health insurances etc. and pool together funds obtained. National societies might coordinate fundraising at the national level.

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Contact your local radio, newspaper and TV for coverage. If you are paying a local PR agency, you may decide to create press releases. Circulate posters and flyers at local pharmacies and surgeries. Advertise in local free newspapers. Larger events: organise small press conference/opening ceremony for journalists. Raising awareness

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 You may need local/national approval to run an event in your country. Contact your national society to see if approval is necessary. If so, national society to organise. You may also need to gain approval from your national data authorities to store the test data. Ethical issues

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Educate people whilst they are waiting to take a test. A range of ELF materials are available to download in the patient information pack. Local patient organisations may also provide material and may be able to help on the day. Patient information

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 –Event organiser: to work with the doctors/nurses before and after the event. –Welcome team: to explain the process, hand out questionnaires/leaflets, refer children to paediatric testing area and organise queuing system. –Nurses/ technicians: to carry out testing and work on a shift pattern. Each test takes 10 minutes based on a patient performing 3 blows. –Doctors: to give advice if abnormal results arise. –Smoking cessation groups: to advise patients in waiting area. Personnel

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Ensure all staff are trained to use the equipment. Link I.D number on questionnaires to the test number. Provide full guidelines on how to use the spirometer. 3 accepted blows should be performed per person. Print out results and highlight any problems. Give GP letter to those with abnormal results, for follow-up. Offer to discuss results with doctors on site. Definite diagnoses cannot be given under the non- perfect conditions of the event. Direct smokers concerned about lung health to smoking cessation groups. Testing staff

World Spirometry Day, October 14, ,510 residents tested from six ERS congress cities 18.9% of people tested had airway obstruction Mean age = 50.0 ±19.1 years 48.1% smokers 5.2% asthmatic Conclusion: Spirometry testing is a useful method for early detection of airway obstruction in large numbers of city residents Previous results: ERS Congresses Data courtesy of the ELF Spirometry Taskforce

World Spirometry Day, October 14, 2010 Take part in World Spirometry Day and help raise awareness of lung health in your country! For more information, please visit World Spirometry Day