A Feasibility Study Comparing Usual Foot Education and Phone App Alerts in Patients With Increased Risk of Diabetic Foot

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

It is recommended that patients who are at moderate or high risk of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are seen by a healthcare professional for foot review every 2-6 months. Yet, diabetic foot ulcers remain the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation with an amputation occurring every 20 secs. ...

It is recommended that patients who are at moderate or high risk of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are seen by a healthcare professional for foot review every 2-6 months. Yet, diabetic foot ulcers remain the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation with an amputation occurring every 20 secs. This suggests that additional information and prompts, as well as regular follow-up, are required. Additionally, long term diabetic foot complications including loss of protective pain sensation are related to poor glycaemic control. This single blinded randomised study aims to determine if weekly foot alerts (a total of 12 alerts cycled over 12-months), delivered by the MyU phone application in combination with usual education routes and follow-up, improves patient foot care behaviour and foot care knowledge. Using standardized questionnaires at baseline and 12-months. Furthermore, does the frequency of viewing/engaging in foot alert content influence foot care knowledge and behaviour. Secondary objectives are to determine: 1) if individuals who receive 7-foot review appointments in a 12-month period have better foot care knowledge and behaviour when compared to those seen less frequently regardless of educational route. 2) Baseline and 12-months HbA1c blood test will be measured to establish if any changes occurred between the two groups. Expected results: The investigators hypothesized that participants randomised to the intervention group (Phone app) will have improved foot care knowledge and foot health behaviours. Sample size: 100 patients with a 1:1 ratio Quality Assurance: A standard operating procedure based on established diabetic foot screening tools will be used to ensure the inter-rater reliability of foot assessment. Educational material will go through back translation to ensure the accuracy of the content. Feedback on content, meaning and usability of the English and Arabic documents from a sample of 10 participants will be sought. To maintain investigator blinding the participants will be escorted to the video viewing room by a research coordinator.

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