Evidence-Based Protocol: Effect on Foot Care Self-Efficacy among Diabetic Patients during COVID 19 Pandemic

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.