Transitioning From Race-Specific to Race-Neutral Reference Equations for Pulmonary Function Test Interpretation at a Large Safety Net Hospital System.

In April 2023, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) published an official ATS statement entitled "Race and Ethnicity in Pulmonary Function Test Interpretation" recommending the adoption of race-neutral reference equations for pulmonary function test results interpretation. However, lack of a clear roadmap to implement this recommendation effectively remains a challenge. This article outlines how our large safety net hospital systematically transitioned from race-specific to race-neutral reference equations. Our approach, guided by the Kotter change model, can serve as a framework for other institutions.