A Randomized pilot study of improving foot care in home health patients with diabetes

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve patients' foot care knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care practices. METHODS A prospective, randomized, single center, 2-group design was used with a convenience sample of 40 home care patients from a Medicare-certified home health agency. Baseline measures of foot care knowledge, self-efficacy, and reported self-care practices were obtained at study entry and 6 weeks later to control for foot care interventions provided during routine home care services. After obtaining the 6-week baseline measures, patients who were randomized to the intervention group received individualized education about proper foot care. All patients were interviewed a third time 3 months after study entry to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS The educational intervention improved patients' knowledge, confidence, and reported foot care behaviors. CONCLUSIONS A brief, individualized educational intervention about standard foot care topics improved patients' foot care knowledge and self-efficacy as well as reported self-care practices. Incorporating such interventions into routine home care services may enhance the quality of care and decrease the incidence of lower-extremity complications.