Diagnosing COPD: How Good Coaching Can Lead to Accurate Spirometry Results

Hi, I’m Buddy, your partner in spirometry! Today, let’s dive into a critical topic in respiratory care — diagnosing COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is one of the most common lung diseases in the world today. Alarmingly, COPD is on the rise.

Millions of people are living with COPD, yet many — possibly between 50 to 95% — remain undiagnosed. With proper coaching and accurate spirometry results, we can help these patients get the diagnosis and treatment they need for a better quality of life. My role? Making spirometry easy, accessible, and even a bit fun.

Understanding COPD #

COPD is a chronic lung disease that limits breathing and causes symptoms like shortness of breath and airway obstruction. It affects 6% of Americans¹ and 250 million people globally,² making it the third-leading cause of death worldwide.³

Despite its prevalence, COPD is underdiagnosed. Some estimates suggest that in the United States, up to 72% of those with COPD remain undiagnosed⁴ and untreated. A key reason for this is the lack of spirometry testing — a crucial step in confirming a COPD diagnosis. By increasing the use of spirometry, especially with the help of tools like the EasyOne Sky, we can change that.

Challenges in spirometry #

Patients may find spirometry challenging, whether due to difficulty in performing the test correctly or a lack of understanding about its importance for a COPD diagnosis. Incorrectly performed tests can lead to unreliable results, delaying or even preventing proper diagnosis. This not only affects the patient but also places additional stress on their family and healthcare team.

Healthcare providers often face time and resource constraints, which can impact the quality of spirometry coaching. That’s where I come in — to assist in patient coaching and help providers achieve the most accurate spirometry results.

How Buddy Can Help: The Power of Good Coaching #

Good coaching is essential to help ensure accurate spirometry results. It involves providing clear, concise instructions, offering positive encouragement, and giving feedback that supports patient success.

Done right, coaching boosts patient confidence, improves technique, and ensures more accurate spirometry results.⁵ It also lightens the load on healthcare staff, all while making spirometry a more engaging experience for the patient.

Here are some tips for spirometry coaching:

• Build rapport: Establish a friendly and supportive relationship with the patient.
• Provide clear instructions: Focus on simple, step-by-step instructions on how to perform a spirometry test.
• Demonstrate proper positioning: Show the patient how to perform the test correctly and guide them on correct posture.
• Give encouragement: Offer positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the test.
• Be patient: Be patient and give the patient time to understand and perform the test correctly!

These steps not only make the process smoother but also help ensure that serious health conditions like COPD are accurately diagnosed, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Conclusion #

COPD is a serious condition affecting millions worldwide, many of whom are undiagnosed. Accurate spirometry is vital for proper diagnosis, and good coaching is key to achieving it. By ensuring patients feel comfortable and supported during spirometry, healthcare providers can help improve test accuracy and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those with COPD. Let’s work to find and support the millions of people who need it. Discover how I, Buddy, and the EasyOne Sky can help you today!

Written by

• 

  Buddy

  Expert spirometry coach