A Nurse-Led Telehealth Program for Diabetes Foot Care: Feasibility and Usability Study

Authors

Hsiao-Hui Ju
Rashmi Momin
Stanley Cron
Jed Jularbal
Jeffery Alford
Constance Johnson

Publication Date

6-6-2023

Journal

JMIR Nursing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus can lead to severe and debilitating foot complications, such as infections, ulcerations, and amputations. Despite substantial progress in diabetes care, foot disease remains a major challenge in managing this chronic condition that causes serious health complications worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and usability of a telehealth program focused on preventive diabetes foot care. A secondary aim was to descriptively measure self-reported changes in diabetes knowledge, self-care, and foot care behaviors before and after participating in the program.

METHODS: The study used a single-arm, pre-post design in 2 large family medical practice clinics in Texas. Participants met individually with the nurse practitioner once a month for 3 months using synchronous telehealth videoconferencing. Each participant received diabetes foot education guided by the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change. Feasibility was measured with rates of enrollment and program and assessment completion. Usability was measured with the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Diabetes knowledge, self-care, and foot care behaviors were measured with validated survey instruments at baseline, 1.5 months, and 3 months.

RESULTS: Of 50 eligible individuals, 39 (78%) enrolled; 34 of 39 (87%) completed the first videoconference and 29 of 39 (74%) completed the second and third videoconferences. Of the 39 who consented, 37 (95%) completed the baseline assessment; 50% (17/34) of those who attended the first videoconference completed the assessment at 1.5 months, and 100% (29/29) of those who attended the subsequent videoconferences completed the final assessment. Overall, participants reported a positive attitude toward the use of telehealth, with a mean Telehealth Usability Questionnaire score of 6.24 (SD 0.98) on a 7-point scale. Diabetes knowledge increased by a mean of 15.82 (SD 16.69) points of 100 (P

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a nurse-led telehealth educational program centered on diabetes foot care is feasible, acceptable, and has the potential to improve diabetes knowledge and self-care, which are precursors to preventing debilitating foot complications.

Keywords

diabetes mellitus, type 2; telehealth; telemedicine; foot care education; self-management; self-care; preventive health services; patient education; diabetes complications; diabetic foot

Comments

PMID: 37279046