ARTP statement on pulmonary function testing 2020.

The Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology (ARTP) last produced a statement on the performance of lung function testing in 1994. At that time the focus was on a practical statement for people working in lung function laboratories. Since that time there have been many technological advances and alterations to best practice in the measurement and interpretation of lung function assessments. In light of these advances an update was warranted. ARTP, therefore, have provided within this document, where available, the most up-to-date and evidence-based recommendations for the most common lung function assessments performed in laboratories across the UK. These recommendations set out the requirements and considerations that need to be made in terms of environmental and patient factors that may influence both the performance and interpretation of lung function tests. They also incorporate procedures to ensure quality assured diagnostic investigations that include those associated with equipment, the healthcare professional conducting the assessments and the results achieved by the subject. Each section aims to outline the common parameters provided for each investigation, a brief principle behind the measurements (where applicable), and suggested acceptability and reproducibility criteria.

British Thoracic Society quality standards for home oxygen use in adults.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for home oxygen provision in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice. Quality statements are based on the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guideline for Home Oxygen Use in Adults. METHODS: Development of BTS Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards. RESULTS: 10 quality statements have been developed, each describing a key marker of high-quality, cost-effective care for home oxygen use, and each statement is supported by quality measures that aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of healthcare. DISCUSSION: BTS Quality Standards for home oxygen use in adults form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of a guideline's recommendations.