NURS FPX 4025 Assessment 3

NURS FPX 4025 Assessment 3

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4025 Research and Evidence-Based Decision Making

Prof. Name

Date

DEI and Ethics in COPD Smoking Cessation Programs

Understanding COPD and Smoking Cessation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that significantly impairs breathing, primarily due to long-term smoking. Despite the known health risks, quitting smoking remains a significant challenge for many individuals. COPD is a leading cause of mortality in the United States, affecting approximately 16 million adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Smoking cessation is crucial in slowing disease progression, yet many barriers—such as nicotine addiction, stress, and lack of social support—impede individuals from successfully quitting. Addressing these barriers requires implementing effective interventions tailored to diverse populations. This assessment evaluates the impact of structured smoking cessation programs compared to standard counseling in COPD patients over six months, considering the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and ethical considerations in improving patient outcomes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in COPD Care

Disparities in healthcare access significantly affect COPD management, particularly in smoking cessation efforts. Marginalized populations—including low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and those in rural communities—often face barriers to receiving adequate smoking cessation support (Alupo et al., 2024). Limited healthcare access, financial constraints, and lower health literacy levels contribute to poor disease management. Older adults with COPD may also experience difficulties due to mobility challenges, medication costs, and limited healthcare provider availability. Ensuring equitable access to smoking cessation programs requires culturally competent care, tailored educational materials, and community outreach efforts that address specific needs. Nurses play a vital role in advocating for inclusive healthcare practices by facilitating access to smoking cessation resources and supporting diverse patient populations in their journey toward quitting smoking.

Ethical Considerations in Smoking Cessation Programs

Providing smoking cessation support for COPD patients involves ethical considerations, particularly in patient autonomy, beneficence, and justice. While healthcare providers must encourage smoking cessation, they must also respect patient autonomy and decision-making. Some individuals may struggle with nicotine dependence despite understanding the health risks. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a patient-centered approach that offers guidance without coercion. Beneficence, or the duty to promote patient well-being, is upheld by offering evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy (Wang et al., 2024). Ethical care also demands justice, ensuring all patients—regardless of socioeconomic status—receive access to high-quality smoking cessation interventions. Addressing disparities in care and advocating for policy changes can help create equitable access to effective COPD management strategies.

Table: DEI and Ethical Considerations in COPD Smoking Cessation Programs

Conclusion

Implementing structured smoking cessation programs within COPD management is crucial in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. However, healthcare providers must consider DEI principles and ethical responsibilities to ensure equitable access to effective interventions. Addressing healthcare disparities, promoting culturally sensitive care, and respecting patient autonomy can enhance the success rates of smoking cessation programs. By integrating evidence-based approaches and ethical considerations, nurses and healthcare professionals can support diverse COPD populations in achieving smoking cessation and improving their overall quality of life.

References

Alupo, P., Baluku, J., Bongomin, F., Siddharthan, T., Katagira, W., Ddungu, A., Hurst, J. R., Boven, van, Worodria, W., & Kirenga, B. J. (2024). Overcoming challenges of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in low- and middle-income countries. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2024.2398639

American Lung Association (ALA). (2024). Learn about COPD. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). COPD. Chronic Disease Indicators. https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/indicator-definitions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease.html

NURS FPX 4025 Assessment 3

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Han, M. K., Fu, Y., Ji, Q., Duan, X., & Fang, X. (2023). The effectiveness of theory-based smoking cessation interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16441-w

Wang, Z., Qiu, Y., Ji, X., & Dong, L. (2024). Effects of smoking cessation on individuals with COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1433269