Prevention of foot complications in diabetes mellitus patients: an evidence-based practice approach

Author(s)

Kattia Ochoa Vigo

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Enfermagem (EE/SBD)
• Defense date: 2005-06-08

Examining board members

Ana Emilia Pace; Maria Helena Larcher Caliri; Laercio Joel Franco; Maria Teresa da Costa Gonçalves Torquato; Maria Lucia Zanetti

• Advisor: Ana Emilia Pace

Abstract

Diabetes is considered responsible for more than 50% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. Every year, about 2-3% of patients develop foot ulcers, and this risk increases to 15% throughout their lives. Lower limb ulcers frequently precede amputations, 85% of serious hospitalizations cases were caused by superficial ulcers, accompanied by decreased sensibility due to diabetic neuropathy. This study aimed to elaborate a systematic care proposal for patients with type 2 diabetes, based on a systematic review, with a view to preventing the risk of developing foot injury/ulceration, as well as to assess the efficacy of this proposal in district basic health units. Electronic databases, specific sites and references were used to identify primary studies and clinical guidelines. Established criteria were used to analyze the studies and guidelines. In the application of the care proposal, 101 diabetes type 2 patients were recruited to participate in the 12-month prospective trial; 49 persons participated in an intensive six-week educational awareness program, after which they attended monthly appointments for reinforcement and foot care; 52 other persons received conventional care and participated in six-monthly group orientations. The six-monthly evaluation of primary results included knowledge on diabetes, foot and footwear care, dermatological foot conditions and use of appropriate footwear. The results showed that 3,941 articles were identified, of which only 10 primary studies and nine guidelines were selected, which involved service organization for diabetes patient care and educational patient interventions. The reviewed studies were inconclusive and presented methodological flaws. Preventive interventions concentrated on screening to identify structural foot alterations, protective sensibility in the sole of the foot at risk, emphasizing history of ulcers; glycemic control and advice on appropriate footwear. In the clinical trial, 20 persons abandoned the study. The groups had similar age, gender, education, co-morbidity and foot injury antecedent characteristics. At the end of the first semester, only the knowledge variables on diabetes (p= .005) and foot care behavior (p< .000) revealed a significant improvement. At the end of the trial, the improvement in these two variables was maintained (p< .000), and accompanied by an improvement in dermatological foot conditions (p< .000) and in the use of appropriate footwear (p= .005). This research demonstrated the importance of monitoring risk factors for foot injuries/ulceration and highlighted the education process between professionals and patients as a fundamental prevention measure. Moreover, this study provided supported for an efficient systematic care proposal in the prevention of foot injuries/ulcerations, including monthly appointments and basic foot care, for low-risk patients. (AU)