Impact of the Interprofessional Collaborative Education Program (IPCEP) on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic foot care among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with diabetes are at high risk of foot complications such as ulcers and amputations, leading to morbidity and economic burden. Effective foot care management reduces complications, highlighting the need for patient education and self-management practices. Interprofessional care (IPC) enhances patient care by integrating expertise from multiple disciplines. While education programs improve self-care and knowledge, their impact on self-efficacy remains unclear. Furthermore, the role of the Interprofessional Collaborative Education Program (IPCEP) in enhancing foot care practices also needs exploration.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review evaluated the usefulness of the interprofessional approach (IPA) to patient-centered education in improving foot care knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane was carried out to explore the importance of IPCEP in improving foot care practices among individuals with T2DM. A narrative review was conducted, as there was a paucity of literature related to studies meeting the criteria by September 23, 2024. Studies assessing patient outcomes (behaviour, attitudes, knowledge) were considered.

RESULTS

Extensive research is needed to highlight the importance of IPCEP in improving foot care knowledge and promoting proactive self-management. This is because the IPA positively influences patients’ attitudes toward health management post-education.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the need for IPCEP to improve foot care practices; thus, it can foster a holistic approach to diabetes and diabetic foot care, improve quality of life, and reduce complications.