The FOOTSTEP self‐management foot care programme: Are rheumatoid arthritis patients physically able to participate?

Semple, Ruth; Newcombe, Lisa; Finlayson, Gary; Hutchison, C.R.; Forlow, J.H.; Woodburn, James

doi:10.1002/msc.142

Cited by 16 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Our results also highlight that social support and physical ability may influence this need, as this subgroup were more likely to be living alone and to have osteoarthritis in the knees or back. Physical barriers to self-management of foot problems have previously been reported by Campbell et al [29], who found that 63% of older people who had been discharged from podiatry services were unable to care for their own feet due to an inability to bend, hand weakness and poor eyesight, and by Semple et al [30], who found that nearly half of a sample of 30 people with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age 61 years) were unable to self-manage foot problems due to impaired grip strength and difficulty reaching. These findings suggest that although self-management of foot problems has been shown to be effective in older people [31], there are specific subgroups of older people that require professional assistance from foot health specialists.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

A survey of foot problems in community‐dwelling older Greek Australians

Kaoulla

Frescos

Menz

2011

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

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BackgroundFoot problems are common in older people and are associated with impaired mobility and quality of life. However, the characteristics of foot problems in older Australians for whom English is a second language have not been evaluated.MethodsOne hundred and four community-dwelling people aged 64 to 90 years with disabling foot pain (according to the case definition of the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, or MFPDI) were recruited from four Greek elderly citizens clubs in Melbourne, Australia. All participants completed a Greek language questionnaire consisting of general medical history, the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the MFPDI, and specific questions relating to foot problems and podiatry service utilisation. In addition, all participants underwent a brief clinical foot assessment.ResultsThe MFPDI score ranged from 1 to 30 (median 14), out of a total possible score of 34. Women had significantly higher total MFPDI scores and MFPDI subscale scores. The MFPDI total score and subscale scores were significantly associated with most of the SF-36 subscale scores. The most commonly reported foot problem was difficulty finding comfortable shoes (38%), and the most commonly observed foot problem was the presence of hyperkeratotic lesions (29%). Only 13% of participants were currently receiving podiatry treatment, and 40% stated that they required more help looking after their feet. Those who reported difficulty finding comfortable shoes were more likely to be female, and those who required more help looking after their feet were more likely to be living alone and have osteoarthritis in their knees or back.ConclusionsFoot problems appear to be common in older Greek Australians, have a greater impact on women, and are associated with reduced health-related quality of life. These findings are broadly similar to previous studies in English-speaking older people in Australia. However, only a small proportion of this sample was currently receiving podiatry treatment, and a substantial number stated that they required more help looking after their feet. To address this issue, steps need to be taken to increase awareness of podiatry services among older Greek Australians.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

A survey of foot problems in community‐dwelling older Greek Australians

Kaoulla

Frescos

Menz

2011

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

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“…The potential value of group education was thought to be in providing a supportive environment for general foot health information and self-management education, if planned and facilitated appropriately. The implementation of group foot health self-management programmes for people with RA may be an effective method of delivery, providing members can perform self care tasks, such as basic nail cutting [44]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Foot health education for people with rheumatoid arthritis — some patient perspectives

Graham

Hammond

Walmsley

et al. 2012

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

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BackgroundPatient education is an important component of foot health management for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The content and strategies for delivery require investigation in relation to the patients’ needs. This study explores patients’ experiences of foot health education, to inform how the patients’ needs could be identified in clinical practice and inform effective education delivery.MethodA focus group was used to collect data. The dialogue was recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a structured thematic approach. Member checking and peer review added to credibility of the data.Six themes emerged; (i) content and purpose of patient education – what it should be, (ii) content of patient education – what it should not be, (iii) timing of information on foot health, (iv) method of delivery, (v) ability to engage with foot health education and (vi) the patient/practitioner relationship.ConclusionsThis study identified aspects of patient education considered important by this group of patients in relation to content, timing and delivery, forming the basis for further research on clinical and patient focussed outcomes of patient education.Identifying health education needs and provision of supportive verbal and written information can foster an effective therapeutic relationship, supporting effective foot health education for people with RA.

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“…In patients with RA and foot problems, approximately half are unable to manage their own feet due to problems with reach and grip strength (Semple et al 2008). Podiatrists can assist patients and their family or carers to help them maintain good standards of personal foot hygiene.…”

Section: Basic Foot Hygiene Self-management and Advicementioning

confidence: 99%