Educational Interventions and Its Impact on the Treatment Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most severe and debilitating complications of diabetes, causing considerable suffering and economic consequences for the patients. The review aims to elaborate on the importance, types, and effects of educational intervention among DFU patients. This review was conducted by electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Collaboration Database, and Google Scholar with keywords like ‘diabetic foot ulcer,’ ‘educational intervention,’ ‘treatment outcomes,’ etc. The review includes randomization controlled study, cross-sectional, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, cohort studies, etc. The articles were published in English and unpublished and other languages were excluded. This review identified that most of the educational interventions implemented were group education sessions and leaflets that improved the self-foot care practices, foot care knowledge, health status, and medication adherence of the DFU patients. Among the treatment modalities, the dressing was found to be used in most of the patients. Biofilms affect wound healing and delay the healing process. Implementing educational interventions by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, clinical pharmacists, and podiatrists enhances diabetic foot care practices and knowledge, preventing the DFUs. This review concluded that educational interventions were beneficial to DFU patients in improving their self-care practices and foot care knowledge.

Keywords

• diabetic foot ulcer
• educational intervention
• multidisciplinary team
• patient education
• treatment outcomes