M.C. Townsend Associates, LLC

Spirometry Training CD

  
Self-paced instruction is ideal for health professionals with busy schedules and many commitments.  Review the technical aspects of spirometry as often as you like, including graphical measurements, to better understand and master the material.  Though the CD does not replace the instructor-student interactions and hands-on practice of NIOSH-Approved and Spirometry Update/Refresher Courses, it is an excellent tutorial tool that reinforces many concepts presented in these courses.   Each section of the CD includes summaries of key points, examples, figures, review questions, and exercises.  And the Microsoft talking parrot and wizard are ready to help you throughout the course!

   Goals of the CD: To help health professionals: 1) obtain acceptable and reproducible spirograms; 2) correctly calculate basic spirometric measurements; 3) perform appropriate spirometer calibration checks; and 4) recognize the uses and limitations of spirometry in the occupational setting.

   Content of the CD: The CD reviews Pulmonary Anatomy, Physiology, and Basic Spirometry Concepts; it explains how to: 1) Perform Spirometer Quality Assurance Procedures, 2) Demonstrate Proper Spirometric Technique, 3) Perform Basic Spirometric Calculations, 4) Compare Observed to Predicted Normal Values, 5) Evaluate Changes in Follow-Up Spirograms, and 6) Identify Standards for Spirometry Equipment; and it provides many practice exercises.

   Development of the CD: Recently developed by Dr. John Hankinson, with technical review by Drs. Mary Townsend and Paul Enright.  Dr. Hankinson worked for over 30 years at NIOSH and is a major contributor to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Spirometry Standardization Statements.   Dr. Hankinson helped develop the original NIOSH-approved spirometry course materials and taught courses for many years.  Based on that teaching, he realized that a self-taught rigorous spirometry course would help occupational health professionals to better understand spirometry's complex technical material before or after completing a NIOSH-Approved or Spirometry Refresher Course.

   PC system requirements: a) Microsoft Explorer version 3.05 or higher; b) Pentium 100 MHz or faster PC with at least 16 MB of Ram; c) Sound card to hear the Microsoft agents speak; d) Program occupies about 15 MB of disk space, or 155 MB if the optional video material is stored on the hard drive; and e) Windows 98, 2000, ME or XP operating systems.

   Price: $195 per CD (plus $5 shipping & handling in the U.S.)  Order by mail or by fax using the Registration/Order Form. If you have questions, please call 412-343-9946 or email to mary.townsend4@verizon.net, with the subject "CD Inquiry."
 
   Spirometry Training Program Installation Notes will be mailed along with the CD.  If problems with the CD develop during use, you can email Dr. Hankinson to receive assistance.

   To obtain 11.4 Pennsylvania State Nurses Association-approved continuing education contact hours, you must complete the entire Training Course within 4 months, answering at least 75% of the questions and exercises correctly (you have 2 chances to answer each question.)   The CD program saves a file of your answers and the Microsoft parrot tells you immediately whether your answer is correct.  The answer file can be attached to an email or copied onto a floppy disk and sent to Dr. Townsend for evaluation.  You will also be asked to complete an evaluation form for the course.

FAQ

   2. Can the CD be used as a Spirometry Update/Refresher Course?   The Spirometry Training CD reviews measurements, errors in technique, interpretation, and reference values.  But only in a class can you observe real life demonstrations of subject testing and spirometer calibration, though a short video is included in the CD.   In addition, a CD cannot replace discussions of current real-life technical problems with spirometers and observation of your testing technique.

   3. What is the optimal use of the CD?   The CD can be used in conjunction with a NIOSH-Approved or Spirometry Refresher Course or as a tutorial for forgotten material.  If you can work through the CD before attending a class, difficult or forgotten topics will be easier to understand and master in a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course or Spirometry Refresher Course.   If you are unable to attend a class, completing the Training CD will help you recall and understand forgotten or poorly understood material, allowing you to apply the information to your spirometry testing.