How patients with diabetic foot ulcers experience telemedicine solutions: A scoping review

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common, complex and severe complication of diabetes that is associated with severely decreased health-related quality of life. Treatment of DFUs calls for a multi-sectoral approach, incorporating interdisciplinary care pathways. Telemedicine (TM) may be used as a communication tool between caregivers across healthcare sectors to obligate the need for close follow-up, including early intervention in preventing the recurrence of DFU.The objective of this review was to identify, examine and conceptually map the available literature on patients' experiences and views regarding the use of TM solutions among patients with DFUs. We identified the Population, Concept and Context to pinpoint the focus of this review, word the research question and title as well as facilitate the literature search strategy. The literature examined stems from 13 sources. We imposed no restrictions on the methodological approach of the included studies, neither on the format. During the review process, four main maps emerged: "A whole human not merely a hole in a human," "Less of a burden on the family, the community and the environment," "Competences and continuity of care are essential for high-quality care" and "The quality and modality of the technology." Further investigation from both the patients' and the multi-sectoral caregivers' perspective is needed, focusing on whatever modifications of the TM intervention may fit the DFU care pathway better.diabetic foot ulcer, patient experience, scoping review, telemedicine, wound Key Messages • a TM solution was reported to promote holistic and person-centred care and treatment • TM gave the patients an experience of being viewed as a whole person and not merely as a hole in a person • using a TM solution promotes an experience of having control, being included in decision-making, and being able to lead an almost normal life

Implementation of a patient-centered remote wound monitoring system for management of diabetic foot ulcers

“…A number of software companies have developed smartphone apps to measure and record wound size, including for DFU ( 15 , 21 – 25 ). Remote wound monitoring programs may be helpful in the management of chronic wounds, particularly as a communication tool between patients and their healthcare providers when close follow-up is necessary ( 26 ). However, most of the applications are developed with physicians and nurses being the intended users.…”

Effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers

“…While the internal consistency of diabetes self‐management was not significantly improved compared with routine care, this may be because diabetes self‐management has already been incorporated into routine education, while foot ulcer self‐management needs more attention (Ranuve & Mohammadnezhad, 2022). Telemedicine solution has been reported to promote person‐centred care and facilitate a feeling of control and empowerment; in the telemedicine modalities, the patients were encouraged to report wound assessments using pictures, they experienced a greater feeling of responsibility and awareness of changes regarding wound area or other changes involving the DFU (Søndergaard et al., 2023); and this can also be one of the reasons for the self‐management strengthen of the patients in our study. Heavy medical expense is a critical element that seriously affects the patients' self‐management ability and quality of life (Kerr et al., 2019); and saving more than two hundred yuan (24 UK pounds) on direct medical expenditure for each additional healing of 1 cm 2 is another advantage of the home wound care practice, for which indirect medical expenses such as transportation expenses were not even accounted for.…”

“…While the internal consistency of diabetes self-management was not significantly improved compared with routine care, this may be because diabetes self-management has already been incorporated into routine education, while foot ulcer self-management needs more attention (Ranuve & Mohammadnezhad, 2022). Telemedicine solution has been reported to promote person-centred care and facilitate a feeling of control and empowerment; in the telemedicine modalities, the patients were encouraged to report wound assessments using pictures, they experienced a greater feeling of responsibility and awareness of changes regarding wound area or other changes involving the DFU (Søndergaard et al, 2023);…”

Integrated management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) using a smartphone – A case report

“…In-home care reduces anxiety and encourages treatment adherence of the patient. The use of smartphones in wound care enables physicians close monitoring and assists them in making informed, personalized decisions [ 17 ]. Ayurveda classics recommend seasonally appropriate dressing frequency and timing of application for accelerated healing.…”