Revista de Enfermagem e Cuidados

Nurses Role in Delivering the Message: The Value of Health Promotion and Patient Education in the Self-Care Management of Adults with Asthma

Abstract

Bridget Murray* and Mary O’Neill

Background: Asthma affects 235 million people worldwide. In developed countries, 1 in 12 people suffer from asthma. In Ireland this statistic is higher with 1 in 10 individuals suffering from asthma. Nurses are at the forefront in the battle against the effects of asthma on patients. This review aims to examine the critical role of health promotion interventions by nurses in the management of asthma.

Method: This literature review, in conjunction with a presentation slide deck, looks to:

1. Identify asthma triggers as an important source of knowledge for nurses when treating asthma.
2. Explore techniques that improve patient education and self-management of asthma.
3. Highlight the importance of Health promotion in relation to asthma.

Results: From this review it was determined that health promotion in asthma must be an educational initiative where it’s amalgamated into nursing practice and becomes on integral part of a nurse’s toolkit.

Conclusion: A simple education leaflet detailing what was presented in the enclosed slides was designed following this review to support patient education for the effective self-management of adults with asthma. Further study should be conduct on the long term benefits of this leaflet.