Adapting a Lifestyle-based Offloading Intervention in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What this Trial Is About

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common and can lead to serious complications like major amputation and death. This research aims to develop and test a lifestyle-focused intervention led by occupational therapists to help patients better manage their DFU care. The study primarily seeks to determine if this tailored approach is acceptable and feasible for patients who need offloading treatment as part of comprehensive DFU management. Participants with DFUs requiring offloading treatment will receive up to eight virtual lifestyle-based self-management sessions with a licensed occupational therapist over about eight weeks. This intervention will be co-developed with input from patients, caregivers, family members, and the DFU care team. At the end of the intervention, focus group interviews will be conducted with care team members and therapists to gather feedback on acceptability and feasibility. During the study, participants will complete surveys before and after the intervention to measure patient satisfaction, diabetes distress, and knowledge about offloading. Some will also participate in interviews to discuss their experiences with the intervention. Researchers will monitor DFU-related outcomes for six months after enrollment. Participation involves telemedicine sessions and follow-up assessments, with total intervention lasting approximately eight weeks.

Adapting Lifestyle Offloading for DFUs