Description

The accepted guidelines for a proper diabetic foot examination includes: assessing circulatory, skin, and neurological status to detect problems early and reduce the likelihood of amputation. Based on current ADA estimates at least 50% of amputations that occur in diabetics can be prevented through proper foot care.

This presentation will give the listener a simple, low cost educational intervention to significantly improve the providers' adherence to the foot examination guidelines for patients with diabetes.

Objectives:

• Define the ADA recommendations for a comprehensive diabetic foot exam.
• Discuss the evidence based research on nursing interventions to improve provider compliance.
• Describe key elements in developing an educational program targeted at nursing staff.

Speaker(s):

• Ann Dugan, MSN, MBA, BNS, RN-BC, CNS
• Elizabeth McCarthy, MSN, RN