Conceptualising health education requirements in diabetic foot care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Conceptualising the health education requirements of patients who have never had a diabetic foot ulcer: an exploration of staff and patient views
IRAS ID
311405
Contact name
Linda Tinkler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
PIF7253, Project Initiation Form reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 21 days
Research summary
Diabetes is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise. Increased sugar levels can have serious effects on the feet, changing the ability to feel the feet, how well the blood reaches the feet and the shape of the foot. These factors mean that diabetes can influence the likelihood of developing a foot wound and the amount of time it takes for the wound to heal. Chronic wounds are termed ‘ulcers’ and are common in those with diabetes and require specialist input to treat.
Health education forms an important part of the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and could reduce the risk of developing ulceration in the first place. However, knowledge of how effective standard health education is in preventing and looking after diabetic foot ulcers is lacking.
This study aims to explore patients’ and podiatrists’ view of health education and their beliefs around responsibility of care.
Group concept mapping (GCM) will be used for the entire project cycle, from data collection to analysis. This is a mixed-methods approach which has been chosen due to its ability to yield a shared vision. Two participant groups will be approached to take part, one made up of patients who have never had a foot ulcer, the other of podiatrists involved in their care.
This research is interested in exploring beliefs around responsibility and importance from the perspectives of patients and podiatrists in relation to diabetic foot-health. The overall aim is to inform delivery of health education and reduce the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0030
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion