Enhancing the accuracy of respiratory diagnoses in primary care: a report on the establishment of a Community Respiratory Assessment Unit.

Aims: To establish a Community Respiratory Assessment Unit and to evaluate its role in enhancing the accuracy of respiratory diagnosis in primary care.

Methods: We established a central and peripatetic nurse-led service utilising semi-structured history taking, spirometry, oxygen saturation monitoring and semi-structured reporting, coupled with the provision of educational materials to both primary care physicians and patients.

Results: Phased access to the service was offered to 32 general practices.