Airways

The use of spirometry information in smoking cessation interventions has been the subject of a recently reported trial. The ESPITAP study, conducted in Spain, looked at the use of spirometry information in the context of structured motivational interviewing for smoking cessation, finding that this improved abstinence rates. One (admittedly quite limited) review also found that annual spirometry combined with a brief smoking cessation intervention was one of the more effective methods for COPD patients.

Health mapped

The second and substantially extended issue of the NHS Atlas of Variation has appeared, showing how use of healthcare varies in the UK across a range of conditions.

Fair's Fare latest issue

Fair's Fare issue 24 is now available from the EPHRU website.