Date of Publication
2025
Project Team
Rosemary Dale, Ed. D, APRN, Lara Stone, DPM
Abstract
Off-loading pressure is a technique used to treat a variety of chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and neuropathic ulcers. Orthopedic patient adherence to offloading treatment is essential to the success of the treatment. Because limited patient knowledge of offloading devices is a leading factor in non-adherence, educational interventions are effective at increasing adherence. The best approach involves the use of customized education tools, however, there currently are limited patient education materials available regarding off-loading devices. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate barriers affecting adherence to offloading devices in patients of the Foot and Ankle Program within an Orthopedic clinic and develop resources and education tools to promote adherence. A standardized questionnaire was created to evaluate areas of need for education. Using these answers education materials were created. To evaluate the intervention, the same standardized questionnaire was given to patients after receiving education and adherence to offloading was compared pre- and post-intervention. Patients who received the education had improved adherence to offloading devices than compared to pre-education. This demonstrates that device specific education promotes patient adherence to off-loading devices. Implications for practice include that device specific education is beneficial for patients and should be focused on factors that can deter use. The factors include weather, appearance, comfort, driving, impact on work, impact on household duties, and impact on mobility.
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
McMichen, Bridget, "Improving Patient Adherence During the Healing of Foot Ulcers" (2025). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 180.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/180
