Diabetic Foot: Making a decision about footwear
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a person-centred decision aid for supporting footwear choices for those at risk of diabetes-related foot ulceration.
IRAS ID
342944
Contact name
Joanne Paton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 18 days
Research summary
Study: Developing a Decision Aid for Diabetic Footwear Choices.
Background: We are working to create a helpful tool called a ‘decision aid’ for people at risk of foot ulcers because they have diabetes. This is a guide for use when seeking help from a healthcare professional regarding foot care and it will help patients with diabetes make informed decisions about their footwear. Choosing the right shoes for individual patients can help prevent foot problems, but many people with diabetes are confused about the right footwear for them and when to wear it. We want to understand the reasons for this confusion and use that learning to help change patients’ health beliefs about footwear.
Why It Matters: This research is crucial for patients and the public. It addresses questions like:
• How can we help people with diabetes choose the right shoes?
• Why do some patients avoid well-fitting footwear?
• What can we do to prevent foot ulcers?
What we plan to do: We will talk to 24 people from a diverse ethnic background: people with a South Asian heritage, and people with a white British heritage. By combining their insights with previous research, we’ll create this vital ‘footwear decision aid.’ Subject experts, patients and peers will help us ‘fine-tune’ the “Decision Aid”.
Potential Benefits: The decision aid will:
• Provide clear information about different shoe options.
• Improve communication between patients and clinicians.
• Make footcare education accessible to all.
• Help patients protect their feet from ulcers.
Study Details:
• Eligibility: People at risk of diabetic foot ulcers.
• Sites: Two locations in South and Southwest England.
• Duration: We’ll listen, learn, and develop the decision aid in 21 months.
Method: Two rounds of semi structured interviews involving 24 participants across two sites.
Our goal: To empower patients through a Person-Centred Decision-aid for Supporting Footwear Choices for at Risk of Diabetes-Related Foot Ulceration.REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0253
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion