Significant Knowledge Improvement Through E-Learning: Findings from the Spirometry E-Learning Pilot Study

Background: Spirometry is a key diagnostic and monitoring tool in respiratory medicine. Particularly in pediatric patients where cooperation and technique strongly influence results, standardized protocols are essential to ensure valid and reproducible measurements. Education on the lung function techniques is essential to ensure valid outcomes. E-learning offers an effective, self-paced approach to medical education. We developed a first version of a free spirometry e-learning module, covering basics, indications, and quality control, to improve measurement standards and knowledge across healthcare professions [ 1 ]. Aim: We aimed to assess the knowledge improvement and the satisfaction with the e-learning in this pilot study. Methods: Participants (healthcare professionals and medical students at various levels of expertise) completed a self-assessment and a 40-question exam before and three weeks after completing the e-learning. The number of correct answers at both time points was compared using a paired-samples t-test to assess learning gains. After the follow-up, participants also evaluated their satisfaction with the module. Results: N=53 participants completed all parts of the study. Before the intervention, participants reported high confidence in basic spirometry knowledge but lower confidence in performing quality control. The overall test performance improved significantly from 74.2% to 82.1% after completing the e-learning (p< 0.001), with the largest gains in quality control (+16.8% (SD 18%)). Medical students showed the greatest relative improvement (12.9% (SD 9.1%)), whereas pediatric residents, who already had high baseline scores, showed the least improvement (6.25% (SD 7.3%)). N=49 participants rated the e-learning as good to very good. Discussion: The e-learning module significantly improved participants’ knowledge in basic spirometry, clinical application and quality control. Despite the small sample size, the study demonstrates that structured e-learning can effectively enhance spirometry competence, particularly among less experienced healthcare professionals and students. Based on these results and participants’ feedback, the module will be further improved and then published. Publication History Article published online: 26 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany