Background:
Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations in the world. Seeking early intervention is key, however there is no standard, validated interactive education on foot health available in Australia to support people with diabetes to prevent amputation.
Methods:
A diabetes foot App was co-created with people with diabetes. The app was provided for 12 weeks to a convenience sample of adults with diabetes from one community health service in metropolitan Melbourne. Pre and post intervention data was collected on foot health, footcare knowledge and self-care practices and interviews and focus groups were undertaken post intervention. We report the qualitative findings here.
Preliminary results:
Forty participants with a mean age 66.9±17.1 years, average diabetes duration 17.1±10.3 years. Amputation risk, based on International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot Guidelines, as low (n=4); increased (n=18); and high (n=18). 7 people withdrew due to personal and health related issues.
Qualitative interviews or focus groups were undertaken with 31 participants. Average duration of interviews; 23 minutes (range 5 – 65 minutes). Many participants felt that information would be highly useful for people newly diagnosed with diabetes or who had no previous exposure to footcare education. A number would prefer more guidance regarding what to do once an issue is identified, over and above seeing a healthcare provider. More examples of what to look for were suggested, as were additional features to increase functionality and usefulness of the app.
Discussion/Conclusion
The app was received positively by most participants, with all recommending that an app would be of benefit to people with diabetes to prevent serious foot complications, particularly those who are newly diagnosed. Further work involving refining the diabetes foot app is warranted.
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by Eldon & Anne Foote Trust and Pam & Alfred Lavey Trust.