Knowledge and Perception of Spirometry Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Spirometry is a skilled procedure that relies heavily on the cooperation of the patient and the skillfulness of the person administering the procedure. Spirometry is one of the most widely used techniques that is used in the evaluation of pulmonary function, particularly the volume of air that can be inhaled or exhaled, and the rate at which such can be exhaled. Aim: The study aimed to assess the level of nursing knowledge and perception towards spirometry, including their competence on the spirometry test in a clinical setting. Methods: The quantitative cross-sectional study design was used, aimed to assess the level of knowledge of spirometry as well as the perception of 100 nurses in the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital (SGTH) Swat, Pakistan. Through convenience sampling, the sample population was recruited based on some criteria for the nurses. The survey questionnaire as the main data collection tool was structured and administered while data analysis was conducted using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 27. Descriptive analysis of demographic variables, knowledge, and perceptions was done using the frequency and percentage distribution. Results: The survey evaluated the awareness and attitude of 100 nurses towards spirometry at SGTH. Most of the nurses had an excellent understanding of knowledge to spirometry and its uses, 90% responded to spirometry’s purpose accurately. Most of those surveyed believed spirometry was necessary and performed regularly, but 30% admitted to limitations in spirometry and 70% would like to receive additional training. Conclusion: The current study shows that nurses have a moderate amount of knowledge about spirometry and have positive attitudes towards it. However, specific barriers require training and resource commitment as key strategies for the successful implementation of ICP into nursing practice.