Oscillometry (OS) is recommended as an alternative to spirometry for evaluating disease progression and treatment efficacy for diverse pulmonary disease.

AIM: To evaluate the use, clinical utility, barriers, knowledge and interpretation of oscillometry in clinical practice.

METHODS: Pulmonologists (n=71), pediatrics (n=14) and other health care workers (HCW) (n=65) were specifically recruited from hospitals (n=21) and private clinics (n=23) in Norway to complete a detailed questionnaire regarding use of OS, barriers and utility, technical questions, procedures, variables measured and interpretation-skills.

RESULTS: 58 physicians and 55 HCW (75%) have access of OS in their clinic. 19% of the physicians required OS on a daily basis, 16% weekly and 65% did not require OS at all or rarely, the latter most common in hospitals. The most common indication was diagnostic purpose and evaluating central vs peripheral obstruction, mainly during suspicion of asthma, COPD and/or unexplained dyspnea. The most clinical utility reported was 1) easy to perform, 2) degree of peripheral vs central obstruction and 3) lung compliance. 24 and 10% of the physicians and HCW were confident in interpretation, whereas 64 and 79% were most uncertain, respectively. 29% of the physicians would recommend use of OS to another colleague, while 31% felt lack of knowledge doing so.76% of physicians and 86% of HCW were highly motivated to increase their knowledge about OS, focusing on interpretation, measurement and mechanisms, indication, practical procedure and common mistakes.

CONCLUSION: There is a need for more education in order for oscillometry to be used in an optimal way, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from lung disease.