Home Care for Clients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most frequent
complications of diabetes mellitus leading cause for disability due to foot ulceration and
amputation, gait disturbance, and fall-related injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the effect of home care program of clients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Setting: This
study was conducted at the diabetic Outpatient Clinics at Ain Shams University Hospital
through clients home. Sampling: A purposive sample of 50 clients with DPN were included,
male & female aged from 35 years and above56, and registered for follow up in the previous
setting. Tools: For data collection three tools were used, an interviewing questionnaire for
the DPN clients include four parts; 1st part socio-demographic characteristics, home
environmental assessment, Past and present medical and family history, knowledge
regarding diabetic peripheral neuropathy and. 2nd tool: Healthy practices assessment sheet
for client's' with diabetic peripheral neuropathy client's lifestyle toward DPN & Foot Care,
3rd tool: A neurological examination includes physical assessment measurements. Results:
of this study revealed that majority from clients had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding
DPN. Regarding total lifestyle practices most of clients had positive lifestyle practices; two
third of clients had correctly done foot care practice toward DPN after program
implementation. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Home Care program showed
remarkable improvement in patient's knowledge, and practices regarding their DPN. There
was highly statistically significant difference in relation to client's knowledge and, practices
toward DPN pre/post home care program. Recommendations: The study recommended that
Continuity of health education programs to raise the health awareness and knowledge of
family and clients about risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and encourage them
to adopt a healthy dietary behavior, and promote physical
exercise. Providing diabetic
outpatient clinics in governmental hospitals with rehabilitation
centers to follow-up lifestyle
promoting for diabetic patients