Exploration of care for people with diabetic foot disease- Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of access to and experiences of care for people with diabetic foot disease
IRAS ID
284414
Contact name
Mary Wells
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Around half of the population with diabetes develop nerve damage, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which affects the feet. DPN is the main cause of foot ulceration and amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and amputations are linked to poor quality of life and high rates of early deaths. Recent studies found that many people with diabetic foot disease find difficulties in using specialist services.
This study aims to explore, through focus groups and one-to-one interviews, experiences of care for people with DPN and DFUs in the North West London Sector, and find the most important barriers and facilitators to being referred to specialist services. The focus groups and interviews will include a few patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) from primary and secondary care. This study will help to determine if improvements or changes are needed to improve the patients' experience of care, the quality of care they receive and improve the patients’ quality of life.
Eligible participants will be: a) patients between 18-90 years of age, diagnosed with diabetes and foot disease, English speaking and able to provide informed consent; b) HCPs (GPs, podiatrists, registered nurses, surgeons/consultants) involved in the treatment and care of patients with diabetic foot disease and willing to give informed consent.
Focus groups and interviews will take place within research facilities and clinical rooms at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT) if face-to-face. Alternatively, they will be conducted on an online platform or by telephone.
The study will be completed 8 months; however, the period between initial approach and completion of focus groups and interviews is likely to be between 2-6 weeks for participants. Participants will attend either one interview of one focus group once. A focus group will last between 60-90 minutes and an interview will last up to 60 minutes.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
20/NI/0138
Date of REC Opinion
14 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion