Diabetes Foot Self-care Education Effects on Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Amputations

Diabetes has risen from 1.5 to 18.8 million diagnoses over the last half a century, an increase of epidemic proportions. A leading complication of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations. Comprehensive foot care programs, that include risk assessment, foot care education, preventive therapy, treatment of foot problems, and referral to specialists can reduce amputation rates by 45-85% (CDC, 2012). Registered nurses (RNs) working in outpatient clinics are in a good position to implement foot care programs to decrease diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations.\ud \ud Purpose: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a program built on the Chronic Care Model theory that promotes an integrated care approach between prepared proactive registered nurse and a retired/dependent patient with diabetes. The registered nurse will attain certification in foot care nursing and receive classes in motivational interviewing. Through interaction the patient will become knowledgeable in foot risk assessment, diabetes foot care knowledge and functional foot care. This interaction will be measured and assessed by evaluating primary outcomes of functional foot care, decreased diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations.\ud Specific Aim 1: Create a comprehensive foot care program in retiree/dependent populations in the U.S. military that will address risk assessment, knowledge, and functional foot care. \ud Specific Aim 2: Determine the effectiveness of this program in reducing diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations\ud Specific Aim 3: Calculate cost avoidance in the reduction of diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations.Nursin