Quality Evaluation and Control Methods in Computer-Assisted Screening

Abstract

A computer-assisted, chronic respiratory disease (CRD) screening project undertook a critical evaluation of the performance of the screening equipment and techniques used in administering the tests and interpreting the measurements. Based upon screening tests of 13,494 adults, the analysis led to several conclusions: the use of trained volunteers to administer the questionnaire was feasible and reproducible within the expectation of such a technique; the “nonexertional wheezing” question was particularly associated with spirometry data; the spirometry system was found to be accurate and stable under screening conditions; technician improvement was observed; the spirometry technique was modified based upon an experiment performed during the course of the screening program; and the dual positive film readings were in agreement in only a small proportion of instances, necessitating a major effort aimed to increase concordance.