Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt
2
Assistant professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Northern border university, KSA.
3
Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt
4
Assistant professor in Public Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Saudi Arabia
5
Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
6
Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, KSA
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered one of Egypt's most common and costly
chronic conditions. Foot ulceration is a major complication of diabetes that is associated with high
morbidity and mortality. The COVID-19 outbreak had a serious and disruptive effect on delivering
hospital care for those with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs). The COVID-19 pandemic has created
havoc in diabetes management; during this COVID-19 pandemic, interventions to enhance self
efficacy; for better diabetes management, reducing diabetes complications, especially diabetic foot,
or prolonging their onset are the need of the hour. The usage of telemedicine in the prevention of
disease and injuries and for the continuing education of diabetic patients enables nurses to increase
contact time with patients and individuals to take the onus of their disease through increased self
efficacy. Study Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of evidence-based foot care protocol
on foot care self-efficacy among diabetic patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A
quasi-experimental research (pre/post-test) design was used; The research was carried out at the Ain
Shams University Hospitals' diabetes outpatient clinic in Cairo, Egypt. A purposive sample of 140
adult patients was recruited for the study. Patient's assessment and clinical data sheet, Diabetic
patient's knowledge questionnaire, and Foot care self-efficacy questionnaire were used for data
collection. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between pre/post
implementation of evidence-based foot care protocol regarding patients' knowledge and self
efficacy. Conclusion: evidence-based foot care protocol was helpful in the improvement of diabetic
patients' knowledge and their foot care self-efficacy during the Covid-19 pandemic through online
teaching (Zoom) and WhatsApp applications. Recommendations: Continuous training and
educational programs must be designed for diabetic patients through online teaching to get updated
knowledge and practice to enhance foot care self-efficacy, especially during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Keywords
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