Implementing the Diabetic Foot Exam in a Family Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to adhere to evidence-basedrecommendations on the conduction of diabetic foot screenings in a family practice that did not currently have a process in place for conducting these. The goal was to increase the number of diabetic foot exams performed in the clinic. Background: Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with significant health complications that can be both costly and debilitating. Diabetic foot ulcers are one of these possible complications that can affect up to 25% of people diagnosed with diabetes (Dorresteijn et al., 2012). Those who develop ulcers are at an increased risk of falls, dependence on others, job loss, and death (Goodridge et al., 2005). Methods: The project used pre- and post-surveys to assess clinic staff perception of importance, confidence in performing, and willingness to implement diabetic foot screenings in their daily practice. An education session addressed current recommendations and information on diabetic foot screenings. A chart review was conducted after the implementation phase to determine if there was an increase in exams performed. Results: There was an increase in the number of diabetic foot screenings performed during a two-week period this year compared to the number of screenings conducted during those two weeks in the year prior. Conclusions: An educational presentation on current recommendations and the importance of diabetic foot exams resulted in an increase the number of exams performed. Survey results indicated an increase in the view of the importance of diabetic foot exams and an increase in willingness to perform these daily, but confidence in performing exams remained unchanged.