Foot care practices among Diabetologists in India: A descriptive study by the Diabetic Foot Research India

Abstract

Evidence regarding the foot care practices among practitioners is still scarce in the Indian scenario. This study aimed at assessing the foot care practices among diabetologists from various parts of the country. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among diabetologists, to understand their foot care practices across India, who were part of Diabetic Foot Research India (DFRI) and have participated in the study. In a total of 89 participants, majority of the diabetologists examined patients with a history of foot infection once in 3 months (53%), 128 Hz tuning fork has been used for diagnosis of high-risk foot (31%), majority of patients were advised to use TCC by diabetologists (73%), and footwear was manufactured by qualified orthotist and prosthetics (60%). The foot problems commonly treated by diabetologists are cellulitis (26%) followed by callus (24%). Patients were also referred to other specialists (69%); almost all the participants used antibiotics (95%), and medication and wound care management (29%) were also a part of their practice. The diabetologists displayed a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment and management of foot care practices among patients with foot complications. It is imperative to establish effective communication between diabetologists and/or other practitioners to generate sufficient evidence to determine the foot care practices throughout the country.