Investigating and Comparing the Effect of Teach-Back and Multimedia Teaching Methods on Self-Care in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Short-Term Efficacy of a Multi-Modal Intervention Program to Improve Custom-Made Footwear Use in People at High Risk of Diabetes-Related Foot Ulceration

Background: Wearing custom-made footwear is key in diabetes-related foot ulcer prevention. However, adhering to wearing footwear is challenging, in particular at home. Evidence-based interventions with proven effect are needed, but scarce. We developed a multi-modal intervention to improve custom-made footwear use, and investigated short-term efficacy. Methods: We used a multidisciplinary multiphase approach to develop a three-modality intervention: structured education, motivational interviewing, and custom-made indoor footwear. To assess efficacy, we measured mean 2-week wearing time of custom-made footwear with a validated sensor, at baseline and after three months (primary outcome), and in the two weeks directly before and after each modality was administered (secondary outcomes). We assessed differences between timepoints using within-subjects paired t-tests. Results: 53 participants with high risk for ulceration were included: 30 with low [<8 h/day] baseline adherence), 17% females, mean age 66 (SD: 10) years, all with peripheral neuropathy and a recent foot ulcer (mean time since healing: 6 (SD: 9) months). Wearing time increased non-significantly from 4.0 (SD: 2.5) at baseline to 5.5 (SD: 4.3) after three months in the low adherence group (p = 0.068); this was 11.9 (SD: 2.3) to 12.0 (SD: 2.8) in the high adherence group (p = 0.898). Following provision of indoor footwear, wearing time increased significantly for low baseline adherence (∆2.7 h/day (95% CI: 1.0-4.4; p = 0.004) and high baseline adherence (∆2.0 h/day (95% CI: 0.5-3.4; p = 0.010). Following structured education, wearing time increased non-significantly in those with low baseline adherence (∆1.0 h/day (95% CI: -0.2-2.2; p = 0.098). Following motivational interviewing, wearing time remained similar in both groups. Conclusions: The multi-modal intervention program combining structured education, motivational interviewing and custom-made indoor footwear did not result in a statistically significant improvement in the wearing time of custom-made footwear after three months. However, significant improvements followed the provision of indoor footwear, and clinically relevant improvements followed structured education in people with low adherence, providing avenues for implementation and research.

Updating Wound Care Algorithms: A Systematic, Focused Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to update the underlying evidence base for basic wound care in the Solutions Wound Care Algorithms and revise this resource as needed.

METHODS

The 14 major algorithm goals, guidelines, and outcomes of patient care and 34 detailed qualifying assessment and management statements/steps were reconstructed to encompass 21 qualifying statements/steps and aligned with their most recent (2013) levels of evidence. Next, a systematic, focused review of the literature was conducted to update the evidence levels using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

An English language search of CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) electronic databases was conducted for the years 2015-2023. For each wound type, the following search terms were used: meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, clinical practice guideline, clinical trial, and wound care/healing and dressings. Publications not focused on the patient population or qualifying statements were excluded.

FINDINGS

The search retrieved 59 elements that met the predetermined criteria for analysis and leveling. All qualifying statements and steps remain evidence-based. Higher quality evidence became available for nutritional status assessment, exercise to reduce risk factors for various types of lower extremity ulcers, using tap water to cleanse wounds; that delayed wound healing may be a sign of infection, and that silver-containing dressings are effective when used appropriately. No basic patient and wound care steps have the highest level of evidence (level 1) and strength of recommendation (A).

CONCLUSION

Compared to previous updates, we found fewer clinical trials indicating a need for research to improve evidence levels for various steps of basic wound assessment and care processes.

The effect of self-care training based on e-learning and teach-back methods on the performance of patients with type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Due to the chronic nature of the diabetes, patients who suffer from this disease need education to take care of themselves and increase self-care. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of e-learning and teach-back methods on the performance of diabetic patients.

Methods

In this study, 144 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected based on purposive sampling. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the subjects were divided into two groups of intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 48) by simple randomization. The two intervention groups included the e-learning group whose subjects were trained by entering the training site for three months and the teach-back group whose subjects were trained during four 60-minute sessions for three months. The control group was followed up according to routine care. Before and one month after the intervention, data were collected using self-care questionnaires in the areas of knowledge and performance based on interviews and blood glucose tests and self-reporting. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 and statistical tests of ANOVA, independent t and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

The results showed that both e-learning (P = 0.001) and teach-back training (P = 0.008) methods were associated with a significant increase in self-care compared to before the intervention, but only in the teach-back group, this increase was significant compared to control group(P = 0.002) and the training methods showed no significant effect on blood sugar level and BMI of the patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed that both electronic and teach-back training methods have been effective on the level of self-care of diabetic patients. However, the teach-back method had a greater impact on the level of self-care.

Effects of a Short-time health literacy promotion program (HeLPP) on biochemical factors, self-care and quality of life among rural patients with type-2 diabetes: A field trial with Solomon four-group design

Background

Current evidence suggests that health literacy (HL) impacts self-care behaviors and quality of life (QOL) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a short-time health literacy promotion program (HeLPP) on self-care behaviors and QOL in rural patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Conducted from 2018 to 2019 in Chaldoran county, Iran, this randomized controlled trial followed the Solomon four-group design. Participants included 160 rural individuals with T2DM, who were divided into two intervention (A and C) and two control (B and D) groups. Pre-tests were conducted for intervention group A and control group B, with post-tests administered to all groups at three and six months. Interventions, consisting of five training sessions lasting 45 to 55 minutes, were planned and executed based on pre-test analyses. Primary outcomes were QOL and self-care behaviors, and secondary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), HL and patients' awareness of the disease.

Results

Prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference in awareness, HL, self-care behaviors, HbA1c, and QOL between intervention group A and control group B (P>0.05). However, at three and six months after the educational program, intervention group A exhibited significantly increased average scores in awareness, HL, self-care behaviors, and QOL, along with reduced HbA1c levels (P<0.05) compared to control group B. No interaction was detected between the pre-test and the primary and secondary outcome scores after intervention.

Conclusion

Implementing intervention programs like HeLPP focusing on enhancing practical HL and empowering T2DM patients seems to be promising in improving patients' self-care behaviors and QOL, while reducing their HbA1c levels.

Trial Registration

Identifier: IRCT20131116015422N7; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/35569.

The effect of seven-step educational strategy on knowledge of diabetic foot ulcer prevention, critical thinking and self-efficacy of nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer is a significant complication of diabetes that carries a high mortality risk and is associated with substantial financial costs. Choosing a suitable educational model for nursing students as future nurses is necessary to improve knowledge and manage issues related to caring for diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of education based on the 7E learning cycle model on the knowledge of diabetic foot ulcer prevention, critical thinking, and self-efficacy in nursing students.

DESIGN

A single-blind, randomized controlled trial with a parallel group.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in a nursing school and hospitals covered by it in Iran.

PARTICIPANTS

98 students studying in the fourth semester of the Bachelor of Nursing course.

METHODS

Students were divided into two distinct groups at random: an experimental group (class A, with 51 participants), and a control group (class B, with 47 participants). The participants of the experimental group were provided with an education based on the 7E learning cycle model, while the control group received conventional teaching method. Data collection methods included pre- and post-tests using research instruments (demographic questionnaire, Kaya Diabetic Foot Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire, Ricketts' Critical Thinking Disposition Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, parametric independent sample t-tests, ANCOVA, and paired sample t-tests.

RESULTS

The difference in mean scores of diabetic foot ulcer prevention knowledge (Z = -6.232, p < 0.001), critical thinking (t (50) = -4.382, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (Z = -4.427, p < 0.001) in the experimental group were statistically significant between the time interval before the intervention and one month after its completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventional method of teaching, education based on the 7E learning cycle model is a more effective method to improve nursing students' knowledge of diabetic foot ulcer prevention, critical thinking, and self-efficacy.

Effects of home-based chronic wound care training for patients and caregivers: A systematic review

We aimed to review and synthesise the evidence of the interventions of patients' and informal caregivers' engagement in managing chronic wounds at home. The research team used a systematic review methodology based on an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews (PRISMA) and recommendations from the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial of the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Wanfang (Chinese), and CNKI database (Chinese) were searched from inception to May 2022. The following MESH terms were used: wound healing, pressure ulcer, leg ulcer, diabetic foot, skin ulcer, surgical wound, educational, patient education, counselling, self-care, self-management, social support, and family caregiver. Experimental studies involving participants with chronic wounds (not at risk of wounds) and their informal caregivers were screened. Data were extracted and the narrative was synthesised from the findings of included studies. By screening the above databases, 790 studies were retrieved, and 16 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were 6 RCTs and ten non-RCTs. Outcomes of chronic wound management included patient indicators, wound indicators, and family/caregiver indicators. Home-based interventions of patients or informal caregivers' engagement in managing chronic wounds at home may effectively improve patient outcomes and change wound care behaviour. What's more, educational/behavioural interventions were the primary type of intervention. Multiform integration of education and skills training on wound care and aetiology-based treatment was delivered to patients and caregivers. Besides, there are no studies entirely targeting elderly patients. Home-based chronic wound care training was important to patients with chronic wounds and their family caregivers, which may advance wound management outcomes. However, the findings of this systematic review were based on relatively small studies. We need more exploration of self and family-oriented interventions in the future, especially for older people affected by chronic wounds.

An integrated personalized assistive devices approach to reduce the risk of foot ulcer recurrence in diabetes (DIASSIST): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Preventing foot ulcers in people with diabetes can increase quality of life and reduce costs. Despite the availability of various interventions to prevent foot ulcers, recurrence rates remain high. We hypothesize that a multimodal treatment approach incorporating various footwear, self-management, and education interventions that matches an individual person's needs can reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence with beneficial cost-utility. The aim of this study is to assess the effect on foot ulcer recurrence, footwear adherence, and cost-utility of an integrated personalized assistive devices approach in high-risk people with diabetes.

METHODS

In a parallel-group multicenter randomized controlled trial, 126 adult participants with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, loss of protective sensation based on the presence of peripheral neuropathy, a healed plantar foot ulcer in the preceding 4 years, and possession of any type of custom-made footwear will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to either enhanced therapy or usual care. Enhanced therapy consists of usual care and additionally a personalized treatment approach including pressure-optimized custom-made footwear, pressure-optimized custom-made footwear for indoor use, at-home daily foot temperature monitoring, and structured education, which includes motivational interviewing and personalized feedback on adherence and self-care. Participants will be followed for 12 months. Assessments include barefoot and in-shoe plantar pressure measurements; questionnaires concerning quality of life, costs, disease, and self-care knowledge; physical activity and footwear use monitoring; and clinical monitoring for foot ulcer outcomes. The study is powered for 3 primary outcomes: foot ulcer recurrence, footwear adherence, and cost-utility, the primary clinical, patient-related, and health-economic outcome respectively.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study to integrate multiple interventions for ulcer prevention into a personalized state-of-the-art treatment approach and assess their combined efficacy in a randomized controlled trial in people with diabetes at high ulcer risk. Proven effectiveness, usability, and cost-utility will facilitate implementation in healthcare, improve the quality of life of high-risk people with diabetes, and reduce treatment costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236660. Registered on 11 February 2022.