Pulmonary function testing (PFT) project sets new standard in care

September 16, 2024

Dr. Bradly Biagioni, Medical Director of Pulmonary Function (right), looks on as Chris Danby, Professional Practice Leader, Respiratory Therapy South Okanagan, demonstrates a pulmonary function test.

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is crucial for diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung disease. Testing helps assess the severity of lung impairment, monitor the progress of diseases, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Quicker access to pulmonary function test results can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for respiratory conditions that require immediate attention.

Interior Health’s Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) project is an initiative two years in the making. It revolutionizes how pulmonary function tests are conducted, interpreted and reported within Interior Health. It promises to deliver test results to patients more quickly, reducing wait times for reports from two weeks to just a few days.

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Enhancing patient care through digital transformation

Rollout across region coming soon

Enhancing patient care through digital transformation

Led by Medical Director of Pulmonary Function, Dr. Bradly Biagioni, the PFT project is the first of its kind among B.C. health authorities. It promises to improve care for patients with respiratory diseases in Interior Health.

"As a respiratory specialist, I've witnessed firsthand how timely access to pulmonary function test results can transform patient care,” says Dr. Biagioni. “Rapid results enable us to swiftly diagnose and tailor treatment plans for conditions like asthma and COPD, improving outcomes and enhancing patients' quality of life.

"This initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering patients with the information they need to actively manage their respiratory health," he adds. "It helps ensure they receive the best possible care without unnecessary delays. I’m proud of this work we’ve done to enhance patient care within the Interior."

Individual in glasses and a blue checked jacket smiling in a hospital, standing in front of colourful files on shelves. The setting includes a refrigerator and a whiteboard with a grid, hinting at an organized workplace environment. — Dr. Biagioni stands next to patient paper files that will eventually be replaced by a paperless system, thanks to the Pulmonary Function Testing project.

The new testing system connects pulmonary function testing data directly from pulmonary testing equipment with IH’s electronic medical record system, Meditech. The integration with the Meditech system enhances data accuracy, improves workflow and ensures that health-care providers have immediate access to critical patient information. Physician reporting has also been digitized and standardized, eliminating manual entries.

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Rollout across region coming soon

Person standing and speaking in a room with three attentive listeners; all individuals display hospital ID badges. A cake on a rolling table is also visible. — Colin Von Dohren (left) project manager for the Pulmonary Function Testing project, speaks to the team at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) at a launch celebration in May 2024. Respirologist Dr. Shannon Walker (right) has been at PRH since 1996 and is proud to be part of the growth and development of the Pulmonary Function Lab.

The PFT project started two years ago, with the first implementation in May 2024 in Penticton. The project will be rolled out in phases at other locations across IH in the coming months. The phased approach helps provide a smooth transition and adequate support for each site.