Effects of a foot self-care educational intervention on improving footwear choices in those with type 2 diabetes at low risk of foot ulceration.

Purpose: To explore the effects of a foot self-care educational intervention on improving footwear choices in patients with type 2 diabetes at low risk of foot ulceration. Methods: A single group pre-test/post-test design was used. The intervention was administered over a 3-week period, and consisted of a 1-hour one-on-one provider-patient interaction to discuss foot self-care strategy, a 1-hour handson practice session, and two 10-minute telephone contact booster sessions. Of the eligible participants (n=70) enrolled in the study, 56 completed the intervention. The patient outcomes were assessed at pre-test and 3-month follow-up. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to examine changes in outcomes over time. Results: The foot self-care educational intervention was effective in improving footwear choices (P<0.05) at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: The findings support the usefulness of the educational intervention. Future research should evaluate its efficacy using a randomized trial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]