57 Personal protective equipment (PPE) and lung function testing; the impact on patient experience feedback

From the outset of the CoVID-19 pandemic, lung function (LF) tests were considered ‘aerosol generating procedure’s’ and categorised as ‘high risk’. Additional safety requirements were implemented, and the Clinical Physiologists were required to wear full PPE while testing. Paediatric LF tests require physiologists to demonstrate acceptable technique and to provide coaching but because of PPE instructions have become solely verbal. Additional infection control requirements restricted the number of patients tested, often resulting in rescheduling of appointments and occasionally an increase in wait times. This was especially prevalent at the start of the pandemic, when the department only tested patients whose tests were ‘clinically essential for decision making’. The requirement for a negative CoVID swab within 72 hours of the LF testing also caused difficulty. Prior to February 2021, the hospital Friend and Family Test (FFT), concerning patients’ experiences in LF, was suspended. In place of this, LF ran a targeted survey that aimed determine if pandemic-related departmental changes had a negative impact on the service. There were ten responses, and all were positive. Although none specifically mentioned CoVID, one parent said they felt ‘safe’ in LF. Subsequent review of the (reinstated) FFT responses between February and May 2021 was then performed. Eighty-One FFT forms were returned, with eighty recommending LF. Sixty-Four were returned with comments; Sixty-Two positive, with themes including; friendly/nice (27), clear/explanation (15) and professional (8). Two mentioned ‘happy with … care around CoVID’ and ‘taking careful precautions’. Despite the challenges, FFT feedback was positive, with 23% of comments praising explanation of tests and 42% expressing that physiologists were ‘friendly’/’nice’. Only two comments regarded the pandemic enforced changes, both were positive. In conclusion, from the patient feedback received, the changes that have been implemented due to the CoVID-19 pandemic have not had a negative effect on patient experience.