Psychosocial burden of foot problems in diabetes

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Understanding the psychosocial burden of foot complications in diabetes

• IRAS ID

  306404

• Contact name

  Vijay Jayagopal

• Contact email

  vijay.jayagopal@york.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHSFT

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  What is the psychosocial burden of foot complications in diabetes?

  Foot problems are common in diabetes and cost the NHS around £1 billion each year. Foot problems can be painful, disfiguring and distressing, impacting on all aspects of daily living. Self-management is a key factor in preventing foot problems in diabetes. Psychosocial factors, including ‘diabetes distress’ (the emotional burden resulting from living with diabetes), depression, anxiety, and lack of social and economic resources, can make it difficult for patients to self-manage. Having foot problems can limit everyday activities such as walking and driving, and can have a significant impact on people’s livelihood. Poor self-management leads to poorer diabetes control and an increased risk of complications, resulting in further emotional distress. Current national diabetes guidelines recognise that foot care services should have access to psychological (emotional) support, but there is no specific guidance as to what type of support should be provided or when. The psychosocial burden of living with foot disease in diabetes in our service is poorly understood, making it very difficult to know how best to help patients who are receiving treatment for foot problems.

  The purpose of this study is to understand how foot problems affect patients with diabetes, from a psychological and social perspective. Patients will be invited to complete questionnaires to assess their psychological health, and will be asked to provide information about their income bracket, employment/social benefits and level of education. At least 15 patients will also be invited to discuss their experiences living with foot problems during a one-off interview.
  We will use the study findings to:

  • Improve the psychological and social support provided to patients with foot problems in diabetes in the future
  • Guide further research
  

• REC name

  London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  22/PR/0212

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 May 2022

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion