Panel discussion: What does normal lung function look like? What to consider when using Global Lung Function Initiative equations

Lung function tests results are used across all areas of respiratory medicine and are critical for inform diagnosis, management and prognosis for people living with respiratory disease, and many other areas of clinical medicine.  Interpretation of measured lung function values depends on the choice of reference equation to determine how the measured value compares with what is expected of someone of similar sex, age, and height. Traditionally population specific, or ethnic-specific reference equations have been used; however, population differences in lung function may reflect underlying differences in the social determinants of health and thus may contribute to normalizing disparities. As we move towards standardizing lung function test interpretation, it is important to consider the advantages and potential pitfalls of reference equations.

Educational aims

• To inform the respiratory community about the advantages and potential pitfalls of using Global Lung Function Initiative equations to interpret lung function measurements;
• To demonstrate how to use GLI tools and integrate GLI equations into lung function test reports;
• To describe factors that impact the precision of interpretation and how to consider the uncertainty in making clinical decisions.

Topics

• Understand the history and challenges with using reference equations to interpret lung function
• Describe the advantages of GLI equations, and potential pitfalls when using them in practice
• Identify factors that impact the precision of interpretation when using GLI reference equations

Learning outcomes

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the advantages and potential pitfalls of using Global Lung Function Initiative equations to interpret lung function measurements;
• Be able to apply the Global Lung Function Initiative tools and equations to interpret lung function test results;
• Understand factors that impact the precision of interpretation and how to consider the uncertainty in making clinical decisions.

CME credit

An application for accreditation of this webinar has been made to the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP) for 1 CME credit per 1-hour attendance. If accredited, the CME credit will be granted upon attendance of at least 60 minutes during the live webinar only.

What is a webinar?

A webinar closely simulates a lecture-based teaching experience. The speaker can interact with the audience, just as in a classroom setting. During the webinar, you will be asked to share your opinion on issues related to the topic using interactive polls.

All participants will be able to hear the lecturer and see the slides throughout the presentation. As a participant you will be able to pose questions or discuss ideas with the other participants via the text chat facility and the speaker will respond to the questions via the microphone.

Login guidelines

More information will be communicated in due course.

• Please log in to the webinar 20 minutes before it is scheduled to commence. If you have any technical difficulties whilst trying to log in or during the session please contact e-learning@ersnet.org.
• Check Central European Summer Time.
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• Please also ensure that your audio settings are not set to mute and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.