POD-SCAN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Podiatric diagnosis and management informed by musculoskeletal ultra-sonography and clinical assessment of musculoskeletal foot problems
IRAS ID
340594
Contact name
Lisa Wright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 6 days
Research summary
Musculoskeletal (MSK) foot problems are prevalent among middle-aged individuals and often present challenges for traditional podiatric treatments. As a result, patients often endure persistent pain, which not only affects their social and work life but also requires significant resources from the NHS. Podiatrists are increasingly turning to musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS)- the same technology used to scan pregnant women to see babies inside the womb- to get a better look inside the foot. Early research indicates that MSUS can facilitate more accurate diagnosis and earlier treatment. However, there is a lack of clear guidelines for podiatrists on when and how to use MSUS effectively. Moreover, limited studies explore how MSUS influences patient care and satisfaction within podiatry settings.
Therefore, this study aims to compare two clinics- one with MSUS and one without to compare the effectiveness of foot care with MSUS to standard foot care in terms of reducing foot pain, improving foot function, and enhancing overall health-related quality of life for patients. Furthermore, this study aims to gain insight into patients' experiences and perceptions of their foot care through interviews, offering a comprehensive understanding of care quality and patient satisfaction. Overall, this study hopes to enhance our understanding of utilising MSUS in podiatry to manage complex foot issues more effectively.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0367
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion