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Interprofessional Asthma Case Study

This document discusses asthma through an interprofessional case study. It begins by defining asthma as a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. It then discusses potential causes of asthma including both genetic and environmental factors. Triggers for asthma flare ups are identified as allergens, respiratory infections, air pollution, tobacco smoke and exercise. The document outlines asthma treatment strategies including reliever medications, preventer medications and symptom controller medications. It concludes by discussing complementary therapies and lifestyle changes that may provide benefits for asthma sufferers.

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Ugi You
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Available Formats
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Topics covered

  • Interprofessional care,
  • Asthma management education,
  • Asthma treatment strategies,
  • Preventers,
  • Air pollution,
  • Asthma and sleep apnea,
  • Exercise and asthma,
  • Health assessments,
  • Patient education,
  • Psychological support
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
211 views32 pages

Interprofessional Asthma Case Study

This document discusses asthma through an interprofessional case study. It begins by defining asthma as a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. It then discusses potential causes of asthma including both genetic and environmental factors. Triggers for asthma flare ups are identified as allergens, respiratory infections, air pollution, tobacco smoke and exercise. The document outlines asthma treatment strategies including reliever medications, preventer medications and symptom controller medications. It concludes by discussing complementary therapies and lifestyle changes that may provide benefits for asthma sufferers.

Uploaded by

Ugi You
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Interprofessional care,
  • Asthma management education,
  • Asthma treatment strategies,
  • Preventers,
  • Air pollution,
  • Asthma and sleep apnea,
  • Exercise and asthma,
  • Health assessments,
  • Patient education,
  • Psychological support

Asthma

An interprofessional case study

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
‫دراسه حاله مهنيه‬

Asthma - an interprofessional case study


At the end of this presentation students will be able to:
• Give a definition of asthma
• Discuss what could cause asthma
• Identify four triggers of asthma• ‫تحديد أربعة مسببات للربو‬
• Describe symptoms of an asthma flare-up • ‫وصف أعراض اشتعال الربو‬
• Explain three asthma treatment strategies
• Develop an interprofessional plan of care for
an asthma sufferer

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
What is asthma?

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
What is asthma?
‘Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
that is characterised by recurrent episodes of wheezing,
breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing’.
Lemone and Burke 2000

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
What causes asthma?

Cause not really


known, though
clear links to
both genetics
(family history)
and
environment.

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
‫تساهم‬
What are some of the factors contributing
to the development of asthma?

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Factors contributing to development of
asthma
 Genetic factors  Children: more common among boys
 Obesity  Adults: more common among
 Smoking mothers women ‫لكنن‬
 Air pollution  Smoking during pregnancy however
‫الحديثه‬
 Modern diets breast-feeding reduces risk
 Exposure to allergens  Respiratory infections as an infant
 Exposure to tobacco  Occupational asthma - exposure to
smoke certain substances in the workplace
[Link]

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
‫مسببات نوبه الربووو‬
What are the triggers for
an asthma flare up?

[Link]

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
What happens during an asthma flare up?

[Link]

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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The Peak Flow Meter ‫يقيس مدى سرعة تنفس املريض‬
• Measures how fast patient breathes
out
• PEF: peak expiratory flow.
• Used to help diagnose asthma,
check response to treatment, or
recognise when asthma is getting
worse
• PEF needs to be measured regularly
to be useful. Use same device (or
‘meter’) for consistency

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Treatment - medication
Divided primarily into ‘relievers’,
‘preventers’ and ‘symptom
controllers’.
Most asthma medicines are
delivered by an inhaler device,
although some are available in
tablet or liquid form.
In hospitals, medication may be
given by intravenous infusion. [Link]

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Treatment - medication
Relievers
• Fast acting
• Bronchodilators e.g. Salbutamol, Ventolin

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Treatment - medication

Preventers
• Make airway less sensitive
• Reduce redness and swelling,
dry up mucus ‫تجفيف املخاط‬
• Take time to take full effect
• Most commonly inhaled
corticosteroids e.g. Seretide
or Symbicort

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Treatment - medication
Symptom controllers
• Long-acting relievers which relax airway muscles
• Prescribed if patient already taking preventers and still
have symptoms
• Can make symptoms worse if taken on their own!
• Serevent is a symptom controller

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Simple changes to eliminate the symptoms
‫اعاده النظر‬
• Re-consider pets in the home
‫السجاد‬
• Replace carpets with hard
floors ‫املكنسة‬
‫الفراش املضاد للحساسيه‬ / ‫الكهربائية‬
• Anti-allergenic bedding ‫التنظيف بالبخار‬
‫للمراتب واألثاث‬
• Regular vacuuming/steam ‫املنزلي‬
cleaning of mattresses and
household furniture
• Consider diet changes
• Review‫بانتظام‬
medication
‫مراجعه االدويه‬
regularly
THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Complementary therapies - any benefits?
Herbal remedies, such as Breathing techniques, such as Relaxation techniques, such as
ginkgo biloba, have been the Buteyko technique — some yoga — the evidence for a
identified as potential agents studies have shown a benefit in asthma is
for further research as asthma subjective improvement of inconclusive.
treatments. symptoms and reduction in use
of reliever medication.
Acupuncture and Hypnosis — Homeopathy, which can involve Dietary modification — people
current evidence doesn't preparing a medicine that with diagnosed food allergies
support it as treatment for includes a tiny amount of the should avoid certain foods,
asthma. element that triggers an allergic however, routine dietary
reaction, such as house dust restrictions in people with
mites and then diluting it until asthma have not been shown to
no trace of the element remains be beneficial. Some food
– research is inconclusive. supplements, such as fish oils
may offer benefit in asthma.

[Link]

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Activity – case study
In groups, examine the following case study and prepare
answers for the following questions:

1. What health concerns can you identify with Mrs Joy?


2. What would a health professional consider when
developing a care plan for this individual?
3. Consider how each discipline within the
interprofessional health care team can help the
individual to achieve their goals.

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Case Study
Mrs Joy – 55 years of age
Employment : Full time office administration
W: 83kgs
H: 174cm BMI : ?
BP: 132/93 RHR : 83 bpm
Fasting Glucose : 5.3 mmol/L Total Cholesterol : 2.3mmol/L
Exercise : Tries to go to the gym 3 x a week but find she gets very
short of breath. She believes this is due to her low level of fitness
and excess weight. She tries to work in her garden regularly , but
finds she also gets very out of breath, even with minimal exercise.
She also becomes quite congested and sometimes feels a bit faint.
Smoker: No Drinking habit: A glass of red wine every night
Musculoskeletal : Mrs Joy often gets headaches and lower back
pain, particularly after long working days.
THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Case Study
Diet :
Breakfast : Full cream Greek Yoghurt with honey and mixed seeds.
Morning tea: 2 Anzac biscuits and packaged soup
Lunch : Subway - usually seafood or meatball sub on wheat bread
Afternoon tea: Mixed nuts and dried fruit and a cup of milk with
Nesquik
Dinner: Seafood (shrimps or prawns) or chicken with frozen veg
Desert: Packaged mousse or custard with choc covered macadamia
nuts
Other : Mrs Joy says she is always tired and lacking energy, even
after an early night. She attributes this to stress in particular
some strain in her relationship/marriage. Her husband
complains of her heavy snoring.
THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Case Study
Mrs Joy does not take any medications except her Ventolin inhaler
when she absolutely needs it.
On further discussion, you find out she does have a history of
asthma, which was particularly bad when she was a child, but she
reports improvements in this condition since adolescence.
She only uses her Ventolin inhaler when she feels extremely out of
breath (usually with exercise) and very rarely uses her preventor,
only when she had an attack last year. She says this is because she
saw an article on Wikipedia about the dangers of regular Ventolin
use.
She doesn't otherwise believe her asthma is a problem, although
admits she has never really known much about it.
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1. What health concerns can you identify?
• Asthma - Potential allergies or intolerances including possibly
food
• Overweight
• High blood pressure
• Possible sleep apnoea
• Headaches and lower back pain – Musculoskeletal issues
Consider tight neck and shoulder muscles; bad posture;
inappropriate office chair; muscle imbalances; poor
gardening posture; inadequate overall body strength.

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2. What would a health professional
consider when developing a care plan for
this individual?
• Weight management
- Exercise program
- Dietary assessment
• Asthma management
- Medication
- Allergies: diet & environment
• Pain management

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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3. Consider how each discipline within the
interprofessional health care team can
help the individual to achieve their goals
Who can help?
• Doctor/Nurse
• Exercise Physiologist/Physiotherapist
• Dietitian
• Clinical Psychologist

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How do we help?
Doctor/Nurse
The doctor or nurse will complete a medical history
and physical assessment of the client and review
medications.
A doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide information
about the medication taken and how this should be
taken.
Health assessments will include pain score and pain
management of the lower back and headaches, as
well as looking into other health concerns.
Provide education about inhaler techniques.
Provide education about the specific monitoring of
asthma and exploration of triggers.
THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
TRAINING CAPACITY (ICTC) PROGRAM
How do we help?
Exercise Physiologist/Physiotherapist
The aim is to increase fitness and overall strength
and treat musculoskeletal tightness and back
discomfort. Improving core strength may help.
The Physiotherapist can specifically assess posture
and work position.
Compliance with an individual exercise plan will
build confidence, strengthen muscles and help to
keep the individual fit and active, enhancing quality
of life.
Resulting weight loss may aid in reducing symptoms.

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How do we help?
Dietitian
The Dietitian will assess the client’s diet and make
recommendations for weight loss and healthy eating.
He or she will also be able to consider possible food allergies or
intolerances related to asthma.

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How do we help?
Clinical Psychologist
Helps the client to address any barriers or motivational
issues surrounding weight loss and exercise. They may also
be able to explore any marital problems or other stresses.

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Key IPL Discussion Points
1. How can we ensure that the care is client centred?
• Actively encourage client involvement in clinical decision
making
• Respond to the changes in the client’s needs
• Discuss with the client what care options are available
• Encourage self management, health promotion and
disease prevention

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Key IPL Discussion Points
2. How can we demonstrate effective communication with
other members of the interprofessional team?
• Show respect and interest when listening to other team
members’ ideas and viewpoints; do not dominate
discussions and activities
• Come to an agreed care plan
• Use terminology that is understood by members of the
interprofessional care team and provide clarification
when required.

THIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE INCREASED CLINICAL
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Key IPL Discussion Points
3. How does an interprofessional team differ from a
multidisciplinary team?
• Identify where each health disciplines fits within this
interprofessional team, acknowledging skills and knowledge of
team members
• Consider where disciplines overlap so that duplication is
avoided and where disciplines enhance others in the provision
of health care
• Identify misconceptions relating to own and health professions
listed in this case study
• Holistic
T
client centred care: client
A
is part
G
of theI decision
C
making
HIS CLINICAL TRAINING INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE USTRALIAN OVERNMENT UNDER THE NCREASED LINICAL
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Questions?

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References
LeMone P and Burke K (2000). Medical – Surgical Nursing. Critical Thinking in Client Care. 2nd edition.
Prentice Hall Health, USA

Why asthma makes it hard to breath (2011). Retrieved from: [Link]

Asthma Foundation (2011). Retrieved from: [Link]

KidsHealth (2011) What happens during an asthma flare Up? Retrieved from:
[Link]

What are the asthma triggers (2011). Retrieved from: [Link]

MyDr (2009) Asthma treatments. Retrieved from: [Link]/asthma/asthma- treatments

Images retrieved from:


[Link]
[Link]/asthma-treatment
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

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Common questions

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The interprofessional approach to managing asthma involves a comprehensive team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and clinical psychologists, who collaborate to provide holistic care. Preventive care includes addressing potential triggers and risk factors, such as exposure to allergens or smoking, while acute care focuses on managing symptoms during flare-ups with medications like inhalers. This approach encourages patient involvement in clinical decisions, promotes self-management, and uses a variety of strategies to reduce inflammation and airway sensitivity, as well as improving overall patient health and lifestyle .

Lifestyle changes can be more effective than medication in managing asthma symptoms over the long term by addressing root causes and reducing exposure to triggers rather than merely controlling symptoms. For example, reducing exposure to allergens, quitting smoking, or making dietary adjustments can significantly diminish the frequency of asthma attacks. Regular exercise improves lung capacity and overall health, potentially reducing dependency on asthma medications like inhalers. These changes also address comorbid conditions such as obesity, which is a risk factor for asthma, thereby contributing to substantial long-term health improvements .

An interprofessional team can ensure effective communication by actively listening, respecting each member’s expertise, and using common terminology for clarity. Regular meetings to discuss patient progress and adapt care plans, as well as using collaborative tools like shared electronic health records, facilitate communication. Each discipline provides unique insights which, when shared, help develop a comprehensive care plan that integrates medical treatment, lifestyle interventions, and patient education for optimal asthma management .

Relievers like bronchodilators provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms by relaxing airway muscles, making them effective for acute flare-ups but not ideal for long-term control due to potential overuse leading to increased heart rate. Preventers, typically inhaled corticosteroids, reduce airway sensitivity and inflammation over time but may take weeks for full efficacy and can cause side effects like oral thrush. Symptom controllers are longer-acting bronchodilators that need to be used with preventers to avoid worsening symptoms and are effective for ongoing symptom control but require careful dosage management to prevent exacerbations .

Diet plays a crucial role in asthma management by influencing inflammation and reducing exposure to potential allergens. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve lung function. Avoiding processed foods and food allergens can help minimize asthma symptoms. Specific dietary changes, such as increasing intake of fish oils, which have anti-inflammatory properties, can benefit individuals with asthma by reducing mucus production and airway inflammation .

Mrs. Joy's lifestyle factors, such as her dietary habits, physical inactivity, and possible stress-related sleep issues, contribute to her being overweight, experiencing breathlessness, and having potential undiagnosed sleep apnea. Suitable interventions include a tailored diet plan to address her weight and potential food allergies, an exercise program designed to build physical strength and improve respiration, and stress-reduction techniques to address marital stress and improve sleep. These interventions, combined with proper asthma medication management, could significantly enhance her overall well-being .

Genetic factors contribute to the development of asthma by influencing susceptibility to the disease, often evidenced by a family history of asthma or related conditions. Environmental factors, such as air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and modern dietary habits, act as external triggers that can exacerbate or initiate asthma symptoms, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Together, these factors interact to increase the likelihood of developing asthma, with genetic factors setting the stage for environmental influences to act upon .

The main challenges in developing a client-centered care plan include ensuring patient engagement, balancing medical advice with patient preferences, and addressing diverse individual barriers like literacy and socioeconomic factors. These can be addressed by actively involving patients in clinical decision-making, educating them about their condition and care options, and tailoring interventions to fit their lifestyle and preferences. Regular follow-up and flexible care plans that adapt to changing needs are also crucial for maintaining an effective client-centered approach .

Peak flow meters influence asthma diagnosis and management by providing quantifiable data on lung function, specifically measuring peak expiratory flow (PEF). This data helps in diagnosing asthma, assessing the severity of symptoms, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, allowing for timely adjustments in care. Regular use of peak flow meters ensures consistency in tracking lung performance, helps recognize patterns or triggers of asthma flare-ups, and supports patients in managing their condition more effectively .

Alternative therapies, such as breathing techniques like the Buteyko method and dietary supplements like fish oils, offer benefits by potentially reducing the use of reliever medication and providing general health improvements. However, the limitations include a lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, particularly for treatments like acupuncture, homeopathy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga, which have shown inconsistent results in benefitting asthma symptoms .

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