Sanja Stanojevic, PhD
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
The European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society both recommend the use of ethnic-specific equations for the interpretation of lung function measurements. The use of ethnic-specific equations has recently been the subject of intense debate due to concerns that the equations may inappropriately normalize lower average lung function observed in Black and Asian populations. Since race and ethnicity are recognized as a social rather than biological variables, there is concern that these equations may be inappropriately normalizing lower average lung function observed in non-white individuals. Possible consequences include: delayed diagnosis and treatment, decreased access to lung transplant, and decreased access to disability benefits. The session will present research related to why ethnic-specific equations are used and what the potential harms and benefits of their use may be. Additionally, the session will highlight proposed alternatives to ethnic-specific equations and opportunities to improve how pulmonary function tests are interpreted.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the history and rationale for ethnic-specific equations
- Understand that race/ethnicity are social constructs, not biological variables
- Consider the implications for the continued use of ethnic-specific equations
