Patient, Support-Person and Health-Care Provider Perspectives on Foot Self-Management for Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Personal Challenges

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of self-management of feet for patients with diabetes from the perspective of the patient, support person and health-care provider. Methods The qualitative method, Interpretive Description, was used to guide data collection and analysis. Semistructured interviews were completed with 11 patients, 4 support persons and 9 health-care providers. Results The overarching theme was that self-management of diabetes and specifically foot health is complex. Six subthemes were identified. Four confirmed what is known in the literature: knowledge of foot self-management, physical ability to provide foot care, footwear and support. The remaining 2 subthemes, readiness to self-manage feet and communicating between patients and health-care providers, offered new insights in relation to self-management of foot health. Conclusions The present findings have major implications for clinical practice, which can be categorized as the 3Rs: rapport, readiness and reinforcement. Rapport with patients and support persons is vital in creating an environment where foot health concerns can be addressed. Readiness to self-manage foot health is an important factor; health-care providers can capitalize on a patient’s level of readiness, regularly tailoring foot education to a patient’s needs. Reinforcement of positive foot health with patients and support persons is an important strategy for all health-care providers.