Conceptual model: The aerohemodynamics metatheory

Nursing in the 21st century demands new conceptual models to guide practice within foreign ambient environments that pose complicated threats to life and well-being. Knowledge development through research must study variables of interest within this foreign ambient environment that sustains the dynamic relationship of the variables within the nursing metaparadigm: health, environment, person, and nursing.This article describes a new conceptual model based on the aerohemodynamics theory. The aerohemodynamics conceptual model applies material from every aspect of the flight environment that is necessary to sustain life: oxygen, temperature, pressure, and positional comfort. The conceptual model of the aerohemodynamics theory provides a framework interrelating the dynamics of physiology with stressors endemic within the flight environment. Once cognizant of the physiological, psychological, environmental, ergonomical, and task-related stressors, a nurse can appropriately care for patients in the airborne environment.In 2002, commercial airlines transported over 2 billion passengers. Although the incidence of death onboard an aircraft is low, occurring only 0.1–3,000,000 passengers per year, the incidence of injury or cardiopulmonary insult is much higher at 1–14,000–40,000 pssengers per year.