Abstract:

The diabetic foot is considered one of the most devastating complications of diabetes. Diabetic foot is defined as a foot affected by ulceration. It is associated with neuropathy and or peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb. Health education is a combination of learning experiences designed to help people; by increasing their knowledge and influencing their attitudes to improve well-being. The aims of nursing interventions in diabetic foot care- to enhance patients care and services through health promotion, prevention, and patient-centered care. Nurses play vital roles in achieving these goals by providing health care, educating, consulting, being transformational leaders, researching and advocating for patients. However, this action plan focused on the roles of nurses in diabetic foot prevention and care and identified some of the challenges faced. The main goal of the article- to provide health services and to improve the physical, emotional, mental, socio-cultural and spiritual needs of clients.

Education on the basics of foot care, how to perform the physical examination and educating clients on the importance of wearing the right shoes are fundamental areas. Developing educational programs for each client and their families, teaching on the importance of follow-up checks, monitoring of blood glucose at a specified interval, the primary principles of diabetic care and prevention of complications are vital roles of a nurse.

On the other hand, minimizing the risk of the recurrence of the wound is vital. Therefore, by managing contributing systemic factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, heart conditions or renal insufficiency is crucial. DFU are classified based on the features of the wound and tissues involvement. The study focused on the importance of complying with self-foot care the prevention of complications and the roles of the nurse in the process.

Method: An evaluative study was completed using the nursing process. The monofilament test a method used for the screening process. Educational sessions were conducted and practical demonstrations on the importance of self-foot care. Cases were referred for further management based on the needs identified. Many tables were used to aid in the teaching processes.

Results: All clients visited for follow-up checks were knowledgeable on the importance of compliance with care and ably demonstrated foot examination. 20% of the clients reported difficulties encountered with complying to care due to socioeconomic challenges. Notably, there were no newly diagnosed cases.

Conclusion: Nurses’ roles remained the key factors in managing, caring, educating, advocating and helping clients in modifying their lifestyle practices.

Keywords: Diabetic foot, diabetic foot ulcer, education, compliance.

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