Foot Intervention Study Utilizing Commercially Available Infrared Thermometers With Individuals With Diabetes Using a Mixed Methods Approach

Detailed Summary

Foot self-management is important in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. However, even when individuals care for their feet, the signs of inflammation are often missed. A tool that will identify inflammation, a sign of initial tissue damage, may be needed. Previous research has shown that foot temperature self-monitoring reduced ulcer incidence by providing a warning sign of inflammation. However, these studies used an expensive medical thermometer. The objectives for this mixed-methods study are: (1) to determine if a foot health intervention that utilizes an inexpensive commercially-available infrared thermometer (CAIT) improves foot outcomes for individuals with diabetes; (2) to identify factors impacting foot self-management; (3) and to explore the participants', family and support persons', and healthcare providers' experiences with foot self-management and the intervention. This study will have three phases: Phase 1, patients, family and support person, and healthcare providers will share their insights regarding foot self-management to inform the intervention; Phase 2, a six-month RCT will assess the effectiveness of a CAIT; Phase 3, interviews will be conducted with participants, family and support persons, and health providers to explore their experiences with the intervention.

Study Details

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Interventions