Reducing the Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcer through Increased Provider Assessment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Project was to increase provider education and knowledge of diabetic foot screenings through an oral PowerPoint presentation. Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are a debilitating complication of diabetes, a chronic illness characterized by high blood glucose and insulin resistance. Foot ulcers are often associated with peripheral neuropathy and decreased blood flow to the feet. As a result, diabetics experience diabetic foot infections, recurrent hospitalizations, and eventual amputation. However, progression towards developing a foot ulcer can be slowed; if healthcare providers screen the diabetic patients’ feet on a regular basis, early intervention, such as foot care education, referral to a podiatrist, can be initiated early, before an ulcer occurs. Methods: Participants were recruited to attend an education PowerPoint presentation about diabetic foot ulcers and useful screening tool for assessing diabetic feet. Participants filled out a post-presentation survey assessing how much knowledge they gained from the presentation. Implementation involved optional use of screening tools, and a post-implementation survey was provided to assess whether screening tools were used. Results: The eleven staff members at San Pedro Clinic participated in an oral PowerPoint presentation and completed the post-presentation survey. Following the implementation, four healthcare providers completed post-implementation surveys to determine the providers’ thoughts on the efficacy of Inlow’s 60-Second Diabetic Screening Tool. Based on responses from the post-presentation survey, staff members learned about diabetic foot checks and Inlow’s 60-Second Screening Tool. Based on responses from the post-implementation survey, providers did not have an opportunity to use the screening tool. However, they would recommend its use to other providers. Conclusions: The oral PowerPoint presentation effectively provided education about the importance of diabetic foot screening and using Inlow’s 60-Second Diabetic Foot Screening Tool. Participants reported that they found content appropriate and informative. There were limitations due to the small sample size and providers not utilizing screening tool. Despite these limitations, the objective to provide education about performing diabetic foot screening and the existence of screening tool were met. Future research about the effectiveness of Inlow’s 60-Second Diabetic Foot Screening Tool in a larger healthcare setting, such as larger clinics or hospitals, would be useful in determining its impact on diabetic foot ulcer outcomes.