Course Overview
BBO Training offers commissioned spirometry training tailored to the needs of Primary Care teams, PCNs, and ICBs.
Due to variation in local governance frameworks, quality assurance requirements, and competency expectations across different regions, spirometry training is delivered on request and designed in collaboration with the commissioning organisation.
Sessions are led by an experienced Respiratory Specialist clinician and can be delivered as either introductory training or advanced interpretation masterclasses, depending on local workforce needs.
All teaching reflects national guidance and quality standards, including ARTP principles and NICE respiratory recommendations.
Available Training Options
Introductory Spirometry Training
Designed for clinicians who are:
- New to spirometry
- Refreshing core knowledge
- Supporting respiratory reviews
Content may include:
- Indications for spirometry
- Contraindications and patient preparation
- Acceptability and repeatability criteria
- Understanding flow-volume loops
- Basic interpretation of obstructive and restrictive patterns
- Differentiating asthma and COPD patterns
- Common pitfalls
Spirometry Interpretation Masterclass
Designed for clinicians already performing spirometry who wish to refine interpretation skills.
Content may include:
- Quality assurance principles
- Recognising technically inadequate traces
- Bronchodilator reversibility testing
- Complex pattern interpretation
- Mixed ventilatory defects
- Integrating spirometry results into clinical decision-making
- Case-based interpretation workshops
Who Should Attend
- Practice Nurses
- Respiratory Leads
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners
- General Practitioners
- Primary Care Pharmacists involved in respiratory reviews
Training can be tailored for mixed-skill groups.
Governance and Local Requirements
Spirometry training requirements vary across ICBs, particularly in relation to:
- Competency validation
- Ongoing quality assurance
- Equipment standards
- ARTP certification pathways
For this reason, spirometry sessions are designed collaboratively to ensure alignment with local governance frameworks.
This training supports knowledge development and service improvement but does not replace formal ARTP certification pathways where these are required.
Delivery Format
- Commissioned study days
- Half-day refresher sessions
- Interpretation workshops
- Virtual or face-to-face delivery