Challenges and opportunities in resuming spirometry services in England post-pandemic with potential to adopt Artificial Intelligence decision support software: a qualitative study

Background: Spirometry services to diagnose and monitor lung disease in primary care are restarting post-pandemic England, identified as a priority the NHS Long Term Plan, however evidence regarding best practice is limited. Aims: To explore perspectives on spirometry provision care, potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) decision support software aid quality interpretation. Design Setting: Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders care. Methods: were conducted key across England. Participants recruited by snowball sampling. Interviews explored pre-pandemic delivery of spirometry, perceptions role AI. Transcripts analysed thematically. Results: 28 participants (mean [SD], 21.6 [9.4, range 3-40] years’ clinical experience) interviewed April -June 2022. included clinicians (n=25) commissioners (n=3); eight held regional and/or national respiratory network advisory roles. Four themes identified: 1) Historical challenges provision; 2) Inequity care; 3) Future closer patients’ homes appropriately trained staff; 4) The AI have supportive roles spirometry. Conclusion: Stakeholders highlighted historic damaging effects pandemic contributing inequity Overall positive about assessment However, it was evident that validation must be sufficiently robust trust process.