Respiratory Care WA has welcomed today’s call by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for urgent action to improve access to spirometry testing, following the release of its Atlas Focus Report: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The report reveals a concerning 31% national decline in spirometry testing between 2022–23, with Western Australia experiencing a sharper drop of 39%. Despite this, WA remains ahead of several other states including Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Respiratory Care WA Acting CEO Rael Rivers said the report formally confirms what frontline respiratory services have known for years – that access to essential diagnostic testing is challenging, particularly in primary care.
“This report highlights the critical diagnostic gaps that we’ve been working to address through our Respiratory Hubs,” said Ms Rivers.
“These Hubs offer free spirometry testing and respiratory diagnosis for patients, helping to reduce misdiagnosis, improve treatment, and relieve pressure on the hospital system.”
“Without spirometry, it is impossible to accurately diagnose asthma or COPD. The result is inappropriate treatment, more emergency presentations and avoidable hospital admissions.”
In response to unmet need, Respiratory Care WA has expanded its free Respiratory Hubs across Perth and more recently into the South West, providing access for regional patients who would otherwise face long travel times to Perth.
“But demand continues to rise,” Ms Rivers said. “Without greater investment and policy alignment, more patients will be misdiagnosed and hospitalised – costing the health system far more in the long run.”
Dr Li Ping Chung, Respiratory Consultant at Fiona Stanley Hospital, echoed these concerns and highlighted the diagnostic gap in primary care.
“COPD is most often diagnosed in primary care, where spirometry is essential. Yet we know it’s consistently under-used,” said Dr Chung.
“You wouldn’t refer a patient to an endocrinologist for poorly controlled diabetes without checking their HbA1c. But for years, we’ve accepted COPD referrals without spirometry, even though it’s the diagnostic gold standard.”
COPD — a progressive and incurable lung disease – affects approximately one in 13 Australians over the age of 40. It was the fifth leading cause of death in 2023 and remains one of the top contributors to preventable hospitalisations.
Respiratory Care WA is calling for coordinated action between governments, healthcare providers and corporate partners to make spirometry testing free and equitably accessible – regardless of postcode.
The Atlas Focus Report: COPD complements the COPD Clinical Care Standard, released in October 2024, which outlines the expected components of evidence-based care. Together, these initiatives offer a roadmap for system-wide reform.
To access the Atlas Focus Report: COPD and the Highlights Report, visit: Atlas Focus Report: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
