Pre-hospital emergency care providers' knowledge and use of peak flow meters in the management of acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Ivy

Investigation and description of prehospital emergency care providers' knowledge and use of peak flow meters (PFMs) for acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study assesses training, understanding, and real patient use through a pre-piloted questionnaire completed by basic, intermediate, and advanced life support providers. Findings show limited knowledge, low training receipt, and minimal use on real patients, with further training and research recommended to support best-practice PEFR measurement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Background

Asthma and assessment tools

Role of PEFR and PFMs

ARTICLE INFORMATION Received: 30 July 2020 Revision received: 9 September 2020 Accepted: 15 September 2020 Keywords: Emergency Medical Services asthma peak expiratory ﬂow rate This open access article is distributed under Creative Commons licence CCBY-NC 4.0 ISSN:2709-3786 Pre-hospital emergency care providers'knowledge and use of peak ﬂow meters in the management of acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa Craig Vincent-Lambert*, Chrida Nkuna Department of Emergency Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg *Corresponding author: [clambert@uj.ac.za](clambert@uj.ac.za), P O Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006 ABSTRACT Background: Peak ﬂow meters (PFMs) measure the speed of airﬂow from the lungs during a forced exhalation. Current clinical practice guidelines advocate the use of PFMs in the management of acute asthma. No literature could be found describing local pre-hospital emergency care providers' use of PFMs. We aimed to investigate and describe a sample of prehospital emergency care providers' knowledge and use of PFMs in the management of acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: Fifty respondents (22 basic, 16 intermediate and 12 advanced life support providers) completed a pre-piloted questionnaire consisting of closed questions with pre-set response options focusing on exploring respondents' knowledge, understanding and use of PFMs. Results: Responses highlighted a general lack of knowledge and understanding of PFMs. None of the basic life support providers, and only 19% of intermediate life support providers, indicated they had received training on the device. PFMs do not appear to be readily available in ambulances, with only 8% of the respondents indicating they had ever used a PFM on a real patient. Conclusion: A lack of training on the device and its apparent unavailability are concerning since the peak expiratory ﬂow rate (PEFR) measurement for asthma cases is considered best practice, and literature shows that emergency medical service (EMS) providers are commonly dispatched to asthmatic cases. Additional training and further research on the value and use of PFMsin local pre-hospital emergency care contexts is therefore recommended. Vincent-Lambert C, Nkuna C. Pre-hospital emergency care providers' knowledge and use of peak ﬂow meters in the management of acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa. South African Journal of Pre-hospital Emergency Care. 2020; 1(2):2-5 . doi:10.24213/1-2-4223 BACKGROUND Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the lower airway, characterised by recurring (usually reversible) symptoms related to airﬂow obstruction, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and underlying inﬂammation.1 The causes of this inﬂammation may be acute, sub-acute, or chronic.2 In acute phases, airway oedema and mucous secretion worsen airway obstruction and bronchial reactivity. Aside from a comprehensive history and clinical assessment, several devices and tests can be used to support a diagnosis of asthma in both pre and SAJPEC | [http://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/sajpec/ | December 2020 Vol. 1](http://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/sajpec/ | December 2020 Vol. 1)(2) 2 in-hospital settings. These include pulse oximeters, allowing for non-invasive measurement and monitoring of oxygen saturation, as well as arterial and venous blood gas analysers. Spirometers and peak ﬂow meters (PFMs) are included in the range of devices available, both of which focus on physiological bronchodilatory responses.2,3 These portable handheld devices record a patient's ability to expel air and deliver a reading in litres per minute.4 Chest x-rays may also be of value in diagnosing asthma, as they mayshow evidence of hyperinﬂation. However, such radiological ﬁndings are often only noted during episodes of acute exacerbation; between `attacks', the lungs may appear normal.4 In prehospital settings, it is not currently a feasible option for local emergency care

FAQs

What was the study designed to investigate about PFMs?

The study aimed to investigate and describe prehospital emergency care providers' knowledge and use of peak flow meters in managing acute asthma in Johannesburg, South Africa.

How were the respondents trained and how did that relate to PFM knowledge?

Responses indicated a general lack of knowledge and understanding, with none of the basic life support providers and only 19% of intermediate life support providers reporting training on the device.

Did providers use PFMs on real patients?

Only 8% of respondents indicated they had ever used a PFM on a real patient, suggesting limited availability and use in ambulances.

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Ivy