Picot Question For people with Cystic Fibrosis, does implementing a structured physical activity program as compared to no structured physical activity program result in improved health status?

Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Final Paper Example

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a prevalent genetic illness triggered by abnormalities in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Even though many other body systems can be affected, the classic CF phenotype is marked by persistent respiratory infections resulting in pancreatic insufficiency, bronchiectasis, and high sweat chloride. Respiratory system infections, gastrointestinal congestion, and malabsorption are some of the clinical symptoms of the changes in CF patients. In the United States, the median age of death is in the mid-30s, with respiratory failure being the leading cause of death.

Although novel medications that address the underlying deficiency in CFTR are constantly being investigated, managing CF focuses on its complications. This paper aims to present how the issue of CF affects persons suffering from it and delivers a proposed intervention, the development of a structured physical activity (PA) program to enable them to resolve the problem. It further presents evidence from a literature review to support this proposed intervention and the ethical considerations that should be made. Similarly, it discusses the proposed intervention’s implementation, evaluation and dissemination plans.

Problem or Issue

Cystic Fibrosis remains to be a significant health issue in the US and across the world. It is associated with adverse health outcomes such as decreased lung function, an impaired exocrine function of the sweat glands, and increased chronic respiratory infections. Patients with CF have also been associated with high mortality and hospitalization rates. Since the condition is lifelong, most of the time is spent in hospitals, living with limited physical capacity, long-term medication adherence, and a decreased quality of life. It can also cause financial constraints as much money is spent on medications and other essential management of the patients.

Despite the illness affecting 1 in 3200 live births, it is forecasted to increase in the future, especially in genetically predisposed persons (Giannakoulakos et al., 2022). Currently, around 30000 adolescents are living with this condition (Giannakoulakos et al., 2022). It can negatively influence their quality of life at this tender age if it is not adequately managed. It has been established to be among the notorious life-shortening conditions; most patients, if not appropriately managed, end up dying before maturity. This shows how lethal this condition is and how much attention should be paid. Suppose the disease is not diagnosed early in infancy. In that case, it will likely lead to detrimental airway and immune problems, leaving the child prone to other killer diseases and infections.

The psychological status of the patients suffering from the conditions and their caregivers is at risk. Since CF is not associated with a good prognosis, most patients whose condition is unrelenting may fear the unknown and end up falling into depression. Caregivers must also sacrifice most of their productive time caring for these patients; this can significantly affect their capacity to provide for their families. Despite CF being deadly, it can be managed with pharmacotherapeutic interventions and the application of other conventional measures like the engagement of these patients in physical exercise.

Question(s) From PICO

Clinicians are supposed to do the highest quality research that yields well-designed queries or solutions to a particular population concern. The four letters of PICO stand for population/problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome. PICO questions will ensure a thorough comprehension of the issue and its potential solutions.

PICO format

P – People living with CF

I – A structured physical activity program

C – Physically inactive persons with CF

O – Increased airway clearance

Picot Question

For people with Cystic Fibrosis, does implementing a structured physical activity program as compared to no structured physical activity program result in improved health status?

Population

The population will entail persons living with CF who have been assessed and cleared by the healthcare workers to be fit to engage in PA. Only persons who want to engage in PA will be allowed into the proposed PA program.

Intervention

The proposed intervention involves establishing a structured physical activity program in a health institution where persons living with CF can enroll to engage in PA.

Comparison

The comparison is the population of individuals living with CF who are not