• Debasree Banerjee, Sara Aijaz, Nicholas J Nassikas, Parvati Singh, Sneha Lakshman, Chelsea Boyd, Quincy Brown, Amy Mathew, Rochelle K Rosen, Ryan Lantini, Sarah B Andrea, Stephen R Walsh, Eric J Gartman, Andrew Levinson, Gerardo Carino, and Lundy Braun.
• Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. debasree_banerjee@brown.edu.
• Respir Care. 2024 Oct 25; 69 (11): 137113791371-1379.

BackgroundPulmonary function tests (PFTs) have historically used race-specific prediction equations. The recent American Thoracic Society guidelines recommend the use of a race-neutral approach in prediction equations. There are limited studies centering the opinions of practicing pulmonologists on the use of race in spirometry. Provider opinion will impact adoption of the new guideline. The aim of this study was to ascertain the beliefs of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race as a variable in spirometry prediction equations.MethodsWe report data from 151 open-ended responses from a voluntary, nationwide survey (distributed by the Association of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Program Directors) of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race in PFT prediction equations. Responses were coded using inductive and deductive methods, and a thematic content analysis was conducted.ResultsThere was a balanced distribution of opinions among respondents supporting, opposing, or being unsure about the incorporation of race in spirometry prediction equations. Responses demonstrated a wide array of understanding related to the concept and definition of race and its relationship to physiology.ConclusionsThere was no consensus among providers regarding the use of race in spirometry prediction equations. Concepts of race having biologic implications persist among pulmonary providers and will likely affect the uptake of the Global Lung Function Initiative per the American Thoracic Society guidelines.Copyright © 2024 by Daedalus Enterprises.

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