Factors Influencing the Care and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the experiences of patients' and healthcare practitioners on the factors that influence the care and management of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods: Levac et al's 6-stage framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews, guided the review. The SPIDER tool was used to define key elements of the review question. Searches for relevant articles were conducted in electronic databases (PUBMED, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsycINFO), Google Scholar, and hand searches of reference lists.

Results: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three themes were identified: Communication and Education about DFUs; Challenges of managing DFUs; and Barriers to treatment and management. The themes are presented as a narrative synthesis.

Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge of diabetic foot care by patients and inconsistent communication by healthcare professionals were primary factors affecting the effective management of diabetes-related foot ulcers. Consistent, patient-focused education that is supported by knowledgeable health care professionals should form the foundation of effective diabetic foot ulcer care.

Keywords: diabetes; diabetes-related foot ulcers; diabetic foot ulcers; healthcare professionals; patients with diabetes; scoping review.