# Development and validation of an interprofessional collaborative educational module on the self-management of foot for individuals with type II diabetes mellitus

## TL;DR

This study created and tested an educational module to teach diabetes patients about foot self-care through interprofessional collaboration, improving their knowledge and practices.

## Contribution

A validated interprofessional educational module for diabetic foot self-management was developed and shown to improve patient outcomes.

## Key findings

- The module improved participants' knowledge and practices of diabetic foot care.
- Expert validation confirmed the module's effectiveness and relevance.
- The program may reduce foot ulcers and amputations in diabetes patients.

## Abstract

Insufficient awareness of foot self-care among diabetic individuals results in diabetic foot ulcers. The management of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers demands a well-coordinated approach that involves multiple healthcare providers (HCPs). The present study aims to develop and validate an interprofessional collaborative (IPC) educational program involving HCPs to efficiently oversee and instruct the public on appropriate strategies for self-managing diabetic foot health.

The research group worked on creating an educational module titled ‘An Interprofessional Collaborative Educational Module on Self-Management of Foot for Individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.’ The objective of this module was to promote the adoption of proper practices in self-managing foot health for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A panel of 13 experts participated in a two-stage validation process using the Delphi method to assess the module and its educational resources. Subsequently, the module was tested on a group of 30 participants,
i.e., individuals with diabetes, with its efficacy evaluated through conversation analysis and in-depth interviews.

The three-month-long module included three sessions
•1: Diabetes and its health implications•2: Diabetic foot and self-management•3: Interprofessional education in diabetic foot care

1: Diabetes and its health implications

2: Diabetic foot and self-management

3: Interprofessional education in diabetic foot care

The mode of content delivery was via Whatsapp, and the educational resources, in the form of pamphlets, flowcharts, handouts, case-based cartoons, and videos on diabetes, including diabetic foot, its risks, and self-management, were shared regularly.

All participating experts consensually validated the module and educational resources. Analysis of in-depth interviews revealed that the module immensely benefitted the participants and helped them improve their knowledge and practices of foot care in diabetes.

The study concludes that IPC educational modules can enhance adherence to proper diabetic foot care practices, potentially reducing the occurrence of foot ulcers and amputations, and ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.