Evaluation of two therapeutic patient education programs for prevention of diabetic foot ulcers
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of two education programs on patients’ understanding of the disease, self-efficacy, locus of control, and application of prevention behaviors for foot ulcer. Methods: In four centers that manage patients with diabetes and grade 2 or 3 neuropathy, the first arm of patients (G1 = 53) participated in a “standard” program usually managed in each center, and those in the second arm (G2 = 56) in a “new” program. The patients completed four questionnaires at inclusion (T0) and six months after the education (T1). Occurrence of a new foot ulcer and care behaviors were collected at T1. Z-test was used to compare mean scores for each questionnaire and Fisher’s exact test for percentages (p = 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference between groups G1 and G2 in terms of scores for each questionnaire at T0 and T1. Group G2 showed a significant change in score between T0 and T1 for understanding the disease (p = 0.04) and prevention behaviors (p = 0.01). For the sample as a whole (n = 109), there was a significant improvement between T0 and T1 for two questionnaires: understanding of disease (p < 0.01) and declared prevention behaviors (p < 0.01). Patients who reported having relative to participate in care had a significantly higher mean score on prevention behaviors (p < 0.01). Twenty patients had developed one new ulcer since the education (20.2%). Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of devoting time during education to patients’ understanding of the disease and involving relatives to improve foot ulcer prevention behaviors.