This integrative review explored the self-reported experiences of children and young people (CYP) aged 5-24 years with asthma self-management strategies (ASMS), focusing on nursing involvement across various settings. Asthma significantly impacts CYP’s physical, psychological, and social health, leading to more hospital admissions, school absences, and lower quality of life. The review emphasized the critical role of registered nurses (RNs) in supporting asthma management by improving health literacy, medication adherence, and self-care. While CYP showed willingness to engage in self-management, gaps remain in education and support, particularly with medication use, symptom management, and trigger control.
The review identified three key themes: health literacy, health and wellbeing, and tools and working together. It stressed the need for interventions that enhance both physical and psychological health, using interactive, youth-centered tools to ease self-management. Mobile apps emerged as valuable tools for tracking symptoms, managing medications, and communicating with healthcare providers. However, the review highlighted the importance of combining these tools with face-to-face interactions for comprehensive support. It called for further research that actively involves CYP in the development of ASMS, especially within diverse populations, to improve the relevance and effectiveness of asthma management strategies.
Reference: Kemble H, Foster M, Blamires J, et al. Children and young people’s self-reported experiences of asthma and self-management nursing strategies: An integrative review. J Pediatr Nurs. 2024 Jul-Aug;77:212-235. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.03.029. Epub 2024 Apr 10. PMID: 38598994.
