Visual and kinaesthetic approaches to pragmatic, person-centred diabetic foot education

Abstract

This review of clinical practice describes a pragmatic, person-centred approach to diabetic foot education that is sensitive to individual adult service users' learning needs and preferences. National clinical guidance recommends foot education for all people with diabetes in the UK. Evidence for the effectiveness of foot education remains limited, particularly concerning long-term behaviour modification and the prevention of ulceration and amputation. The Scottish Diabetes Foot Action Group produces written diabetic foot information and advice leaflets to support verbal patient education, but this approach may not be suitable for all. Individuals with low health literacy and visual or kinaesthetic learning preferences should also be considered. Readily-available, cost-effective and expedient strategies for inclusive diabetic foot education are presented in this article.