Patient, Support Person and Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Foot Self-Management for Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Personal Challenges

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of self-management of feet for patients with diabetes from the perspective of the patient, support person, and health care provider. Methods: The qualitative method, Interpretive Description, was used to guide data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 11 patients, 4 support persons, and 9 health care providers. Results: The overarching theme was that self-management of diabetes and specifically foot health is complex. Six sub-themes were identified. Four confirmed what is known in the literature: knowledge of foot self-management; physical ability to provide foot care; footwear; and support. The remaining two sub-themes, readiness to self-manage feet and communicating between patients and health care providers, offered new insights related to self-management of foot health. Conclusion: The findings have important implications for clinical practice that can be categorized as the 3Rs: rapport, readiness, and reinforcement. Rapport with patients and support persons is vital in creating an environment where foot health concerns can be addressed. Readiness to self-manage foot health is an important factor; health care providers can capitalize on a patient’s level of readiness, regularly tailoring foot education to a patient’s needs. Reinforcement of positive foot health with patients and support persons is an important strategy for all health care providers