With the increasing prevalence of wildfires and subsequent changes to air quality, understanding the dynamic relationship between air pollution and health is becoming an integral component of health management. Considering the air quality and the patient’s living environment brings about plans for healthcare management as well as building in contingencies for decline in air quality and the impact on patient’s health. In the rural areas Elite provides services, assessment of wildfire risk is integral in the spring, summer and fall months of episodes of service. Similar considerations are integrated for winter months and severe weather impacting electricity and access to clear roads. Incorporating contingency plans for oxygen use, portability of healthcare regimens, and effective evacuation plans become all the more vital in care planning. According to Thurston and Lee (2021), outdoor air pollution creates adverse health outcomes in 1 out of 3 patients. The costs of care and the exacerbation of disease, such as asthma, are valid concerns for providers in healthcare management where air quality is compromised. Observations include the variation of impact on males vs. females, as well as the strategies employed for asthma and related pulmonary conditions (Faraji, et al., 2021). In a rural environment, these concerns translate into an increased prevalence of pneumonia and other disease processes (Kapwata, et al., 2021).
Elite Home Health & Hospice engages in emergency planning in a proactive manner. This means coordinating with our local emergency service providers to create a communication strategy. We proactively monitor risks for evacuation and engage emergency services to support needs of our patients. These systems help us navigate risks and create solutions before the risk is elevated and options are eliminated.
Resources for air quality management include:
Airnow.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies
Partner with us today for your patients through active home health, palliative care, and hospice services.
Patients with difficulty in managing asthma, allergies, or underlying respiratory conditions benefit from additional support from nursing services. Optimizing the living environment with the guided services of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology support the patient in utilizing strategies for respiratory training and creating a safe living situation. Consider the benefits of home health and palliative care to support your patient’s needs.
