Journal of Forensic Research

Assessment of Foot Care Interventions in Combating Diabetic Foot Syndrome: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Subodh S Satheesh*, Rakesh KR and Subash Philip

Diabetes mellitus and its complications have a severe impact on individual and society. Diabetic foot amputation shows the devastating nature of its complications. Early diagnosis and patient education are vital in successful care of diabetic foot ulceration. The objective of this study was to implement a multidisciplinary approach in health care services in the prevention and management of diabetic foot infections. The study evaluated the impact of foot screening practices in combating diabetic foot syndrome. A prospective study was conducted in Community Health Center Nedumonkavu and NCD clinics of Kollam (South India), included 252 DFU patients. The symptoms were screened and identified through WCDH-DFAQ questionnaire, monofilament testing and vibration sensing test. Wilcoxon rank test was used to test the differences in mean scores. The Monofilament testing results indicated had identified 22 (8.73%) patients with absence of sensations. Regarding foot checkup, the mean score was 0.29 in baseline data vs 0.59 in intervention data. The results were significant with improvement in foot screening practices among patients (p<0.001). The study paves the way for a multidisciplinary approach in health care services in the prevention and management of diabetic foot infections. Besides being affordable and least resource purposive, the study opens up relief in social, financial and emotional deprivations due to diabetic foot syndrome.