Developing a resource for people with diabetes about preventing foot problems: research, audit and user insight

Abstract

One of the major complications of diabetes is the development of nerve damage and poor circulation, both of which can lead to foot problems such as ulceration and serious long-term infection. These complications have heavy personal, social and economic costs associated with them. However, it is possible to either delay or prevent the development of foot ulcers by managing diabetes successfully and following a regular footcare routine. For this preventative strategy to be successful, it needs to be implemented at diagnosis, while the individual is at low risk of developing foot problems. To manage their footcare, and therefore reduce the risk of diabetic complications, people need access to reliable, high quality information. Researchers acknowledge that an individual's understanding of footcare, and their behaviour, can be positively influenced by information, although there has been little research to date examining this strategy in people who are at low risk of foot problems. This paper describes the first stages of the development of a resource aimed at people with diabetes to help them prevent foot problems. This first stage includes an audit of evidence and health information materials and a series of focus groups with people with the condition.