Recent robust studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 investigating the impact of peer‐support patient group education models (‘Leg Clubs’) on chronic leg wounds demonstrate significant improvements in wound healing outcomes. Social interaction among patients is not new. It occurs routinely in the waiting areas of most clinics. The Lindsey Leg Club model took this to a more formal level, enhancing the casual nature by establishing a social vehicle allowing this interaction to happen and to include clinicians.
Others have looked at how this model could be used in other clinical aetiologies, with the most obvious being diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
Foot care education is recommended in international diabetic foot guidelines as a vital component of standard evidence‐based care to prevent DFU recurrence. However, a 2014 Cochrane review concluded that while foot care education appears to have some short‐term effects on patient's foot care knowledge and behaviour, there was insufficient robust evidence to conclude any impact on DFU recurrence. Can this be changed with a more socially interactive component ensuring ongoing patient engagement?
A research team, at Queen's University in Canada, working in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Wound Care, has initiated a study to investigate an online peer‐support ‘foot club’ model's impact on DFU healing. Based on the success of Leg Clubs, and studies reporting that most health consumers now use online media 6, 7 to obtain their health information needs, it is hypothesised that this can make a similar impact to that of the Leg Clubs.
This is most likely the first study of its kind, using online peer‐support group education methods, in the management of DFU. Persons with diabetes are used to online community resources for the management and education of their diabetes. However, little, if any, information exists on the management of their DFUs.
The primary purpose of this research will be to evaluate the impact of an interactive online support group on diabetes knowledge, self‐care behaviours, empowerment, quality of life and the healing of DFU. The secondary purpose is to determine the business potential of the online foot club by conducting a cost analysis. Such a model will deal with the geographical challenges within Canada of having a face‐to‐face model like the Leg Club.
So can we use modern tools to aid the treatment of DFU, engaging patients and their families on an ongoing basis? Is this a potential adjunct to the Lindsey Leg Club model?
References
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