Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes-related nerve damage, foot ulcerations, and amputations occur as consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus that is prevalent worldwide. AIMS: The study aims to investigate the preliminary effects and the feasibility of a telehealth educational program in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm, pre-mid-post measure study in two primary care practices in Texas. A total of 29 participants who met eligibility criteria (type 2 diabetes, Internet access, and English speaking) met with the research team once a month for 3 months via Zoom. The intervention involved telehealth visits with a board-certified family nurse practitioner/nurse educator for diabetes foot care and counseling, diabetes education, and discussion of self-management behaviors. Diabetes foot care behaviors, knowledge, and self-management activities were measured at baseline, 1.5 months, and 3 months. RESULTS: Initially, the mean score of the Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale (DFSBS) was 17.75. The mean score of DFSBS increased to 21.59 at 1.5 months and rose to 25.46 at 3 months, indicating an improved frequency of foot care behaviors. Knowledge of diabetes was 70.48% correct at baseline and increased to 75.92% at 1.5 months and 83.89% at 3 months. At 1.5 months, the mean scores of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities improved by 0.4 days/week (d/w) for general diet, 0.29 d/w for exercise, 0.21 d/w for blood glucose testing, and 0.69 d/w for foot care. At 3 months, these values increased by 1.4 d/w for general diet, 1.13 d/w for exercise, 2.02 d/w for blood glucose testing, and 1.71 d/w for foot care compared with baseline. Of those enrolled, 87.18% completed the first telehealth visit, while 74.36% completed the second and third telehealth visits. Overall, 74.36% completed all three telehealth visits. CONCLUSIONS: In two large primary care practices in Texas, a telehealth educational program that was centered on diabetes foot self-care management led to an improvement in self-care behaviors and knowledge for patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical Implications: The promising results from this pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a telehealth-delivered diabetes foot care educational program for patients with type 2 diabetes. Innovative strategies such as incorporating telehealth visits with in-person examinations may improve diabetes monitoring and prevent diabetes-related foot complications. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of a multi-disciplinary and personalized telehealth approach for monitoring diabetes foot care and self-management behaviors. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.