Introduction
The health of the population is the primary concern of the contemporary society. The gradually increasing number of chronic diseases and the deteriorating state of the environment increase the scope of challenges nurses and health workers face nowadays. For instance, asthma is one of the illnesses influencing millions of people globally. Its development and the emergence of complications are still being investigated. Thus, climate change, pollution, and the gradual deterioration of air quality make the lives of people with asthma even worse.
Nursing implies using restorative practices to modify the impact of the disease (Pope et al., 1995). For this reason, it is essential to discuss the problem and ensure that the correlation between air pollution and asthma is formulated and adverse outcomes are managed. The following PICOT question is established to create the basis for the project:
In adult patients with asthma, how does exposure to fresh air help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks compared to those who live in polluted areas for three months?
In such a way, the paper aims to delve into the topic of asthma presented in other studies and acquire its better vision.
Background of Studies
The rationale for selecting studies implied their relation to the PICOT question. The study by Krins et al. (2020) investigates the role quantitative imaging plays in asthma. The investigators assume that it is a valuable tool leading to a better understanding of asthma. For this reason, their investigation aims to determine how imaging methods can be applied to various situations to improve patient outcomes (Krins et al., 2020). The research also focuses on how the reporting can be standardized and improved. In general, the study contributes to the development of nursing practice as it outlines the effective methods of examination and generating a clearer vision of the condition.
The next work also offers valuable information about the theme. The paper by Price et al. (2014) also revolves around the problem of asthma. The central paper’s objective is to determine the types, frequency, and effects of the central triggers leading to asthma and how they can be controlled in Europe. The researchers state that the central goal of any asthma treatment is to maintain clinical control of the condition (Price et al., 2014). Thus, improved knowledge of the main triggers is required for managing the disease and avoiding deterioration in patients’ states. The paper enhances nursing practice as it shows how specific triggers can be addressed.
The next two studies employ qualitative methods to investigate the topic. Akindele et al. (2019) performed a qualitative study of diagnosing asthma in primary care. The authors admit that the high number of wrong diagnoses is a serious problem affecting patients with asthma (Akindele et al., 2019). For this reason, they aim to investigate current diagnostic challenges and other aspects associated with the disease (Akindele et al., 2019). The main objective of the research is to acquire a better vision of how asthma can be diagnosed to enhance results and minimize wrong diagnoses. The paper is essential for nursing practice as it improves the understanding of how the disease should be managed in real-life conditions.
Finally, there is a paper that evaluates the nurses’ experiences linked to the topic. Chen et al. (2015) evaluate the problem by focusing on the stress caregivers might experience. The authors state that asthma is among children’s most common chronic conditions (Chen et al., 2015). That is why caregivers working with this group might feel stress. The study aims to explore the experience of specialists interacting with children with asthma (Chen et al., 2015). It is vital for practice as the enhanced understanding of elements causing the negative impact on caregivers might improve outcomes and contribute to the higher effectiveness of cooperation between a worker and a patient.
Support of the Four Articles for the Nursing Practice Problem
The selected studies discuss the problem of asthma, which is vital for answering the PICOT question formulated above. Thus, researchers analyze how the condition appears and evolves and what factors might trigger the emergence and development of complications. For this reason, information from the selected articles is vital to the project. It explains how various factors, including air pollution, might influence people suffering from this chronic condition.
Furthermore, new methods of diagnosing, including imaging approaches, are necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of various outcomes and their applicability in various situations. The studies are mainly devoted to investigating nurses’ and caregivers’ experiences, which means that for comparison groups established within PICOT, the same approach can be used. The assessment using imaging methods offered by Krins et al. (2020) and more effective approaches to diagnosing discussed by Akindele et al. (2019 might help to compare the outcomes of the interventions and conclude whether they are effective. In such a way, the studies are essential for forming the theoretical framework of the research and supporting the central assumption made within the formulated PICOT by credible data.
Method of Studies
The selected studies employ different data collection and analysis methods depending on the purpose. For instance, Krings et al. (2020) and Price et al. (2013) employ quantitative methods to collect and process data. Akindele et al. (2019) and Chen et al. (2015) adhere to the qualitative research methodology.
The significant difference lies in the major areas of the investigations and the aims the authors wanted to achieve. Krings et al. (2020) are interested in comparing the results of imaging methods, meaning that quantitative data is crucial, while for Price et al. (2013), the frequency of major triggers should also be determined using quantitative data. As for studies by Akindele et al. (2019) and Chen et al. (2015), they are focused on collecting personal data about individuals’ experiences, meaning that the qualitative approach is central to them. Thus, this method can capture specific attitudes within the selected group, although it might be limited in the number of participants involved in the study. As for the quantitative approach, it gives a direct answer that can be checked; however, the research model impacts the outcomes and might lead to erroneous data.
Results of Studies
The studies’ results contribute to the nursing practice and are important for the formulated PICTO question. First, the effective use of imaging methods to diagnose asthma requires determining if the method can predict longitudinal outcomes and be used in therapeutics (Krings et al., 2020). Additionally, adults with asthma with a high trigger burden have more severe asthma attacks (Price et al. (2013).
At the same time, the research shows that diagnosing asthma is still complex and requires additional training to minimize the chance of mistakes and prepare specialists for future challenges (Akindele et al., 2019). It also correlates with the idea that caregivers working with asthma patients might feel stressed and have high burnout rates (Chen et al., 2015). The given results are essential for nursing practice as they might promote positive change within it. For instance, the improvement of diagnosing can be attained by using innovative imaging methods, while nurses should be provided with psychological support to ensure they are ready to work with patients and avoid burnout.
Ethical Considerations
The formulated PICOT question implies working with human beings, meaning it is important to consider specific ethical considerations. First, it is critical to guarantee that all participants take part voluntarily and provide their informed consent. Second, the research should not damage them either by direct influence or disclosure of some private information.
The authors of the articles selected for the investigation followed these considerations. For qualitative studies, the sample was formed by using participants who volunteered and agreed to share their personal data. It helped to avoid ethical issues and guarantee that all participants were satisfied. As for the quantitative studies, the authors used mainly numerical data; however, the patients were asked whether it could be used to analyze the issue. In such a way, ethical considerations are a critical part of any project and should be followed.
Outcomes Comparison
It is expected that the PICOT question will help to acquire specific outcomes. First, it will show that polluted air is one of the central factors influencing the development of asthma and increasing the severity and frequency of attacks. Furthermore, it will show that exposure to fresh air might be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The analyzed studies show that various triggers might impact this factor, meaning that the outcomes of the PICOT question are related to the conclusions made by the investigators outlined above. At the same time, the outcomes will be narrowed to acquire practical implications in terms of managing asthma.
Proposed Evidence-Based Practice Change
Thus, the PICOT question and research articles are interconnected and are linked to the identified practice problem. It implies that asthma is a complex condition requiring specific interventions and measures to ensure improvement. Thus, specific triggers can make the attacks more complex, meaning it is essential to reduce the chance of being exposed to such triggers. Under these conditions, the evidence-based practice change might focus on providing patients with asthma with the chance to benefit from better climate conditions or helping them to rehabilitate by recommending resorts or areas with low levels of air pollution. It will help to reduce the incidence and guarantee that the new attacks will not be as severe as those triggered previously. Additionally, by ensuring the constant income of fresh and clear air, it is possible to help patients in healthcare settings and control the new attacks and their severity.
Conclusion
Altogether, asthma is one of the major health conditions affecting millions of individuals globally. The deterioration of the environment impacts the increased number of cases. Thus, air pollution might be one of the factors making attacks more difficult to overcome. The problem’s importance is evidenced by numerous works devoted to it. The analyzed studies also speak about asthma, how it can be diagnosed, imaging methods to acquire an enhanced understanding of the condition, and ways to improve the effectiveness of its management.
The PICOT question formulated above also delves into the problem. Air pollution might be one of the triggers leading to undesired outcomes, meaning that diagnosing and managing can be enhanced by reducing the pernicious impact of this factor on populations who are at risk of acquiring and developing asthma. Further research might be focused on a similar aspect to determine how patients can be provided with better conditions to preserve the high quality of their lives.
References
Akindele, A., Daines, L., Cavers, D., Pinnock, H., & Sheikh, A. (2019). A qualitative study of practices and challenges when diagnosing asthma in primary care. NPJ Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, 29(1), 27. Web.
Chen, S. H., Huang, J. L., Yeh, K. W., & Tsai, Y. F. (2015). The stress of caring for children with asthma: A qualitative study of primary caregivers. The Journal of Nursing Research, 23(4), 298–307. Web.
Krings, J. G., Wenzel, S. E., & Castro, M. (2022). The emerging role of quantitative imaging in asthma. The British Journal of Radiology, 95(1132). Web.
Pope, A., Snyder, M. A., & Mood, L. H. (Eds.). (1995). Nursing, health, and the environment: Strengthening the relationship to improve the public’s health. Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press.
Price, D., Dale, P., Elder, E., & Chapman, K. R. (2014). Types, frequency and impact of asthma triggers on patients’ lives: a quantitative study in five European countries. The Journal of Asthma, 51(2), 127–135. Web.
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