The Open Medical Informatics Journal
2010, 4 : 94-102Published online 2010 July 8. DOI: 10.2174/1874431101004010094
Publisher ID: TOMINFOJ-4-94
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis Software (SPIROLA) for Analysis of Spirometry Data in Workplace Prevention or COPD Treatment
2 System Research & Applications International, Inc., Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
3 University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
4 Hankinson Consulting, Valdosta, GA, USA
5 Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
* Address correspondence to this author at the Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Tel: 304-285-6031; Fax: 304-285-6111; E-mail: ehnizdo@cdc.gov
ABSTRACT
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Periodic spirometry is often recommended for individuals with potential occupational exposure to respiratory hazards and in medical treatment of respiratory disease, to prevent COPD or improve treatment outcome. To achieve the full potential of spirometry monitoring in preserving lung function, it is important to maintain acceptable precision of the longitudinal measurements, apply interpretive strategies that identify individuals with abnormal test results or excessive loss of lung function in a timely manner, and use the results for intervention on respiratory disease prevention or treatment modification. We describe novel, easy-to-use visual and analytical software, Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis software (SPIROLA), designed to assist healthcare providers in the above aspects of spirometry monitoring. Software application in ongoing workplace spirometry-based medical monitoring programs helped to identify increased spirometry data variability due to deteriorating test quality and subsequent improvement following interventions, and helped to enhance identification of individuals with excessive decline in lung function.