Date of Graduation

Fall 12-7-2016

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Abstract

Asthma is the most common pediatric condition in the United States, and a child's home environment plays an impactful role in the triggering of asthma exacerbations (Harper et al., 2015). Current emergency department (ED) ideology focuses on symptoms management, with little time spent on education, and virtually no attention paid to the home environment. Evidence shows that programs which incorporate home environmental assessments into asthma patient education produce a reduction in annual ED visits, fewer missed school days, decreased use of rescue medications, and improvements in quality of life (Gruber K.J., et al, 2016, Hollenbach J.P. & Cloutier M.M., 2015, and McClendon & Babino, 2015). This project therefore introduced a home environmental health assessment tool into the discharge teaching of pediatric ED patients at a level-one trauma, research, teaching medical center. Supporting evidence, project design, and educational theories are discussed. The primary clinical nurse leadership theme addressed is CNL as Educator. One year post implementation a chart review will be conducted, comparing the number of pediatric ED asthma presentations for the three years prior to, and then during, the use of the environmental assessment tool. Expected results will show a decrease in the projected number of visits related to asthma exacerbations.

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