How can healthcare professionals involve informal carers in the prevention of diabetes-related foot ulcers?

My name is Lawrence Dowers and I completed a dual Bachelor’s degree in Orthopaedic Technology and Orthopaedic Footwear Technology at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. I recently graduated and, during my studies, I developed a keen interest in improving and modernising healthcare. I enjoy working with patients and believe it is important to explore innovative ways of improving the quality and efficiency of care. My final-year research project at Rondom tied in well with this, as it focused on preventive care and on how healthcare professionals and informal carers can work together to contribute to a better quality of life for people with diabetes.

My research stemmed from the development and use of the Diabetes Foot Check app, which initially focused primarily on how patients can check their own feet. Rondom then raised the question of what further options healthcare professionals have to improve the prevention of diabetes-related foot ulcers. I therefore formulated the research question in collaboration with Rondom: How can healthcare professionals involve informal carers in the prevention of diabetes-related foot ulcers? Using qualitative research, I gathered the experiences and insights of healthcare professionals to investigate how informal carers can be involved in this preventive care in an effective and appropriate manner.

The research revealed that there are many opportunities to give informal carers a greater role in the prevention of diabetes-related foot ulcers. In many cases, informal carers are open to this, particularly when it is clearly explained why their involvement is important and what contribution they can make. In daily practice, however, this opportunity is not always utilised, which means that chances for early detection and prevention may be missed. At the same time, it appears that healthcare professionals are keen to contribute to the highest possible quality of care and quality of life for their patients. Involving informal carers in a more structured way therefore offers opportunities to further strengthen preventive care.

Based on the results, I drew up various recommendations and discussed these with Rondom. Ultimately, this led to the development of a practical mousepad, which healthcare professionals can use next to their computer or laptop as a sort of handy cheat sheet. This mousepad features brief and practical guidelines to help healthcare professionals identify when additional support from an informal carer is needed and what steps they can then take. This makes it easier to involve informal carers in preventive care in a structured and accessible way. The tool can therefore contribute to early detection, better collaboration and, ultimately, the prevention of diabetes-related foot ulcers.

Student at: Fontys University of Applied Sciences – Orthopaedic Technology and Orthopaedic Footwear Technology
Client for Rondom: Wouter Meeuwis