Patient Activation and Foot Health in Diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient Activation and Foot Health in Diabetes: A cross sectional, epidemiological study to investigate the association between patient activation level and foot disease in adults with Diabetes Mellitus.
IRAS ID
288050
Contact name
Jennifer Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 11 days
Research summary
Patient Activation and Foot Health in Diabetes:
A cross sectional, epidemiological study to investigate the association between patient activation level and foot disease in adults with Diabetes Mellitus.
In 2014-2015 the NHS spent between £972m-£1.13 billion on the management of foot problems related to Diabetes Mellitus. At any time 64000 people have a diabetes related foot ulcer, potentially leading to long-term NHS appointments, amputation and death. Preventing diabetes related foot ulceration can be achieved through professional foot care, education, self-care practices and avoiding risky behaviours. Individuals who are engaged and actively involved in their disease management, known as patient activation, have better health outcomes and engagement with self-care practices. However, under current recommendations patient activation is not considered to predict foot ulceration occurrence, this is assessed on physical factors such as foot shape, blood supply and sensation.
This study investigates if there is an association between Patient Activation Measure score and the risk of developing foot ulceration in adults with diabetes. Over a 20 week period, 320 participants will be recruited from the community based, caseload of the Podiatry department at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will have been diagnosed with type one or two Diabetes Mellitus, live independently and have the mental capacity to consent to take part.
Participants will be requested to complete the Patient Activation Measure questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing patient activation with healthcare. Independent variable data will be collated from the participants medical and podiatry records. This will include the risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration as assessed under the NICE guidelines, number of co-morbidities, age, body mass index, social-economic status and the HbA1c (a measure of diabetes control). Statistical analysis will assess if there is any correlation between the Patient Activation Measure score, overall level of risk and independent risk factors.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0609
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion