Implementation of temperature measurements to prevent foot ulcers in diabetic patients

One of the most common causes of foot ulcers is excessive pressure, which may go unnoticed due to the presence of neuropathy. It is also suggested that an increase in local skin temperature, resulting from tissue inflammation caused by mechanical stress, may be a precursor to a foot ulcer. Patients themselves can detect an increase in local skin temperature at home by using a thermometer. If an increased skin temperature is detected, timely intervention can be undertaken by reducing activities that place pressure on the foot and/or by alleviating pressure through podiatric intervention [Bus 2021].

At present, it is not known for whom, when, to what extent, and with what measuring equipment temperature measurements can best be applied in practice. That is why the project: “Implementing skin temperature measurements of the foot in the home setting within the current care process” has been set up. Rondom is carrying out this project in collaboration with other foot and wound care organisations on behalf of the Homeland Academic Workplace.

Through brainstorming sessions with the project group, a focus group with diabetes patients and questionnaires completed by patients, podiatrists and informal carers, the requirements that the assessment tool must meet were identified. Market research was carried out on the basis of this list of requirements. However, no existing instrument was found to fully meet all the requirements. It was therefore decided to proceed with the assessment tools that at least meet the core requirements. These tools have been tested in podiatry practice.

The results have been analysed, and work is underway on a final report.

Podiatry, foot wounds, prevention, diabetes, temperature measurement

Collaborating partners: HOMELAND

Funding bodies: ZonMw

Link to publication: The (long) road to implementing foot skin temperature measurements for people with diabetes at home to prevent foot ulcers_WCS_news

Link to website: https://academischewerkplaatshomeland.nl/onderzoek/#Project%203:%20Temperatuurmetingen