SPIRO vs Probiotic Guide Canada

Objective measurement of respiratory function is of primary importance in the assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, the interpretation of respiratory function tests, especially spirometry tests, is considered suboptimal in primary care. A team from the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute affiliated with Laval University (IUCPQ-UL) developed an interactive mobile application called SPIRO© to facilitate the interpretation of spirometry tests. The SPIRO© app guides healthcare professionals and medical students in interpreting spirometry tests by entering basic data from a spirometry report (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC). The software gives a diagnostic suggestion to the user based on pre-set intervals. In addition to being a resource for educational material (explanatory video, questionnaires, documents related to respiratory health guidelines), the SPIRO© application guides the user in applying the guidelines in respiratory health by providing the necessary references (scientific articles, respiratory health guidelines) to develop a treatment plan. The app allows: - Optimizing interpretation of spirometry; - Obtaining a diagnostic suggestion; - Obtaining a treatment suggestion according to respiratory guidelines; - Getting quick access to respiratory health guidelines; - Facilitating the work of health professionals; - Carrying out better follow-up of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma; - Obtaining continuing education through specific and relevant educational material. This tool was developed by the Chair in Knowledge Translation, Education and Prevention in Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health affiliated with Laval University in collaboration with the IUCPQ-UL.

WHAT is this: A Practice Tool to Assist with Clinical Decision Making for Appropriate Probiotic Therapy for Your Patients WHO is the intended user: This Clinical Guide is designed to translate scientific evidence available for probiotic products to practical, clinically relevant information. It is intended to be used as clinical decision-making tool, enabling clinicians to easily select the appropriate product, dose, and formulation for a specific indication. WHY is this needed: Currently, the body of evidence for probiotic interventions is growing along with popular demand for these products. There is evidence to support the use of probiotic products for a variety of indications beyond gut health, however applications and results are strain-specific. Due to frequent changes in commercial availability of probiotic strains, new published evidence and growing research, an annual review and updates of this Clinical Guide have been conducted since 2008. A general lack of adverse effects attributable to probiotics supports the wide use of these products, but ongoing investigation is recommended.