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Aim: To investigate pain in patients with Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and its impact on their HRQOL. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, obtained sample of 30 participants from MPPC, Galway, Ireland. Pain was assessed using short-form McGill questionnaire (SF-MPQ), HRQOL was assessed Cardiff Wound Impact schedule (CWIS) questionnaire. Results / Discussion: DFU pain was reported by 70% (n=21) of participants. The majority of participants (n=16) experience "mild" to "distressing" pain, the remaining 23 % (n=5) experiencing "severe" pain. The most common sensory pain descriptors reported were "tender", "aching", and "throbbing", indicating nociceptive pain. Significant correlations between VAS and total SF-MPQ score were observed across all CWIS domains and the total CWIS score. Social life (rs=-0.710, p=<0.001) and Physical symptoms and daily living and (rs=-0.665, p=<0.001) demonstrating the strongest negative correlations. Patients with no DFU pain experience superior quality of life (Mr=22, P=0.09) compared to DFU pain where both neuropathic and nociceptive pain coexist (Mr=9, P=0.09). With statistically significant differences in the domains Social Life (Mr=22, Mr=90). The presence of DFU negatively impacts patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to many factors, one of which is pain. There is a general misconception that patients with DFU do not experience wound-related pain due to the high incidence of diabetic neuropathy among them, attributing the presence of any DFU pain to ischaemia, infection and/or Charcot arthropathy. A growing evidence base challenges previous presumptions surrounding DFU pain, reporting this as a significant factor effecting HRQOL among people with DFU. Conclusion: This study identifies classification of DFU pain as a viable contributor to the identification and implementation of effective DFU management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate wellbeing in those who are at high risk of or living with an active diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) attending a community Podiatry clinic in the West of Ireland. Method: A total of 25 participants at risk or/ active DFUs were recruited. In addition to demographic information, Phase 1 (n = 25) assessed: Spirituality Self Rating Scale (SSRS), Hearth Hope Index (HHI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Powerlessness Assessment Tool (PAT). Phase 2 (n = 10) utilised a qualitative approach and explored the lived experience of those at high risk (n=4) and those living with active (n = 6) DFU through one-to-one follow-up interviews. Results / Discussion: Sixty-four percent (n=16) had current ulceration. Mean age was 69.64 (±11.47) and disease duration 21.28 years (±10.76). Male: Female gender distribution was 76% (n = 19)/ 24% (n = 6). The following mean scores were identified: SSRS 21.24 (±6.78), HHI 37.28 (±6.17), RSES 20.84 (±5.02), PAT 28.88 (±7.91), and HADS = 9 (±5.33). Individuals with current DFU presented with lower levels of self-esteem, stronger feelings of powerlessness, higher levels of depression and lower levels of anxiety when compared to those who were at risk, but not currently ulcerated. Conclusion: Participants living with current DFUs reported stronger feelings of powerlessness, lower self-esteem and higher depression scores than those who are high risk of DFUs. Those with current DFUs reported significantly lower anxiety levels compared to the high-risk group. Healthcare professionals should consider the impact that DFU may have on wellbeing and future work should investigate if addressing these factors can improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]