Effectiveness of a Patient Education Module on Diabetic Foot Care in Outpatient Setting: An Open-label Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND

A large number of patients with diabetes mellitus are unaware of foot care and are at risk of developing foot ulcer and amputation. This increases healthcare burden due to preventable complication of diabetes.

AIMS

We conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of a foot care education module for diabetes developed by us.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-seven patients with diabetes mellitus attending our outpatient were randomized into intervention ( = 63) and control groups ( = 64). At first visit, 1 and 3 months later, both groups filled a questionnaire regarding foot care knowledge and practice. The intervention group was administered foot care education module and the control group received routine care at baseline and 1 month. Patient education module consisted of an audio-visual display and a pamphlet on diabetes foot care. Change in score at 3 months was assessed by Student's -test.

RESULTS

Knowledge scores in the intervention group at first, second, and third visits were 9.8 ± 1.8, 10.2 ± 1.6, and 11.0 ± 1.7, respectively. The knowledge scores in the control group at first, second, and third visits were 9.9 ± 1.7, 9.8 ± 1.6, and 10.0 ± 1.8, respectively. The change in knowledge score was statistically significant ( < 0.001) at third visit compared to first in the intervention group but not in the control group ( = 0.62). Practice score also improved significantly ( < 0.001) in the intervention group in the second visit but not in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Audio-visual foot care patient education module in outpatient setting is an effective means to improve foot care knowledge and practice in patients with diabetes.