NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Virtual Refresher Course

Course Description

The class meets from 8-5 Eastern Time - the same timing as used in the live course. Students log in 30 minutes ahead of the class time so that any new technical issues can be resolved.

Before the class is held, an individual 45 minute Zoom Practice meeting is conducted with each student to make sure that their internet connection is good and to review some basic Zoom tools that are used in the class. For these meetings, students must use the computer that they will use for the class and be in the location where they will take the course so that internet connections can be checked. Students can take the course at work or at home.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American College of Environmental and Occupational Medicine (ACOEM), the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN), and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) all require or recommend periodic training that reviews spirometry technique and updates technicians on changes in the field of pulmonary function testing and pertinent regulations. This NIOSH-Approved Refresher Course is designed to provide that review for health professionals who conduct and/or interpret spirometry tests in industrial and clinical settings.

The course briefly reviews the pathophysiology of obstructive and restrictive impairments and emphasizes correct performance of spirometry and the effects of technical errors and spirometer malfunctions on test results and interpretations of repsiratory impairment. Students practice recognizing testing errors, using problem graphs from quality control samples. The goal of the course is not only to review what the recommendations and requirements are for conducting tests and interpreting results, but also why the recommendations and requirements were made.

In the classes, Dr. Townsend draws on her extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of various spirometers, acquired through on-going consulting with a variety of clients. As she helps clients solve their spirometry problems and identify optimal spirometer configurations, Dr. Townsend obtains new information to share with her students, enabling them to work more effectively with their own equipment and to optimize their spirometry testing skills.

OSHA's standards and the 2013 Guidance on Spirometry Testing in Occupational Health Programs: Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals, the 2019 and 2005 ATS/ERS Spirometry Official Statements, the 2022 ERS/ATS Technical Standard on Interpretation Strategies for Routine Lung Function Tests, and the ACOEM Statement on Spirometry in Occupational Health - 2020 are reviewed. Current recommendations are presented for spirometer calibration checks and for interpretation of results as normal or indicating obstructive or restrictive impairment.

NIOSH recommends that each student submit a sample of graphs to be critiqued for technical quality prior to the course.

Class size is limited to maximize student-faculty interaction and to keep the atmosphere informal and conducive to learning. Topics are varied to keep students interested and involved. Breaks are frequent to help students concentrate and remain focussed.

Since many students have not performed spirometry tests during the past couple of years due to COVID, small groups are used to practice subject coaching. All lectures are given by Dr. Mary Townsend; all practice session assistants are experienced in spirometry.

A certificate extending NIOSH certification by 5 years is awarded upon completion of the course.

Course Topics

• Spirometry technique, testing errors, and interpretation following OSHA 2013 Best Practices, ATS/ERS 2005 and 2019, and ERS/ATS 2022 Spirometry Updates.
• Interpreting results as obstructive, restrictive, or mixed impairment patterns, using OSHA Best Practices and ATS/ERS Interpretation Guidelines.
• Review OSHA's standards and 2013 Guidance on Best Practices for occupational spirometry testing.
• Review spirogram measurements, and effects of ambient temperature.
• Evaluate test validity using real-life problem graphs from quality control samples.
• Types of spirometers: advantages, disadvantages, and potential problems.
• Spirometer calibration and mandatory calibration checks.

Continuing Education

This continuing nursing education (CNE) activity was approved for 8.0 contact hours by the DC Board of Nursing.

Physicians may claim Category 2 credit for attending this class. Category 2 is self-reported and the confirmation email can be kept to indicate course attendance. The proportion of total required CME that is allowed to be AMA category 2 varies by state.

Course Materials

• A comprehensive course workbook, handouts, and NIOSH booklet of spirometry testing errors will be mailed to each student via USPS Priority Mail before the class. Students need to bring a calculator.
• For the spirogram critique, please email 3 test results, with tracings, prior to the class.

   

Virtual Course Dates: 2023

Three courses are planned for 2023: January 18, June 13, and December 14. Classes are limited in size and are filled from a waitlist, according to when a student's current certificate expires, as well as the date on which they registered for the waitlist. Tuition is not processed until 6-8 weeks before a course, and several months before a class date, we offer spots to those who haved moved to the top of the waitlist. Some spaces should be available in the June and December classes.

Registration Information

Regsiter here.

Course tuition of $440 includes:

• All course materials, including comprehensive course workbook and reference materials.
• OSHA's 2013 Spirometry Testing in Occupational Health Programs: Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals.
• Continuing education credit.
• Critique of 3 spirograms for technical quality (optional, at no extra charge).

For the spirogram critique, please email 3 test results, with tracings, prior to the class.

Class size is limited, so please register early to assure availability. You may pay by check or using VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards. Students are enrolled in the order in which payment and registration are received. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of the tuition payment. Except for credit card processing fees, tuition is refundable if you cancel five or more weeks before the course date. A $30 service charge is deducted if you cancel 3-5 weeks before the course date. Since expenses are fixed, no refunds are issued if you cancel less than 3 weeks before the course date. However, you may always send an alternate in your place or, if we find a replacement for your registered class date, you may transfer to a later course.