The adoption of the EN 13826 Standard is likely to cause the most issues with Doctors and Nurses responsible for the long-term care of patients with asthma.
Three key areas need consideration:
1) The new patient, using a peak flow meter for the first time
2) The existing patient, who has already used a peak flow meter
3) The health professional, using PEF readings and Normal Values
Patients using a peak flow meter for the first time in 2004 will soon all be given the new EU scale meter, and be ignorant of the change from the Wright scale. However, existing asthmatic patients who require a replacement meter will notice that the meter and their readings will have changed, and without explanation from a knowledgeable healthcare professional, may be worried that their health has deteriorated, or the meters being used were, or are faulty.
Importantly, professionals caring for patients who use peak flow meters will need to note which type of meter has been used to take measurements - it is unlikely that all patients will have their old-scale meter replaced immediately, the result being that both Wright and EU scale meters will be in common use for several years after the introduction of the EN 13826 Standard in 2004.
Clement Clarke, as manufacturers of the most widely used peak flow meter, has made recommendations to Government authorities to ensure the change occurs as smoothly as possible. The following comments may be useful.
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