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

Susanne Friis Søndergaard*, Else Godsk Vestergaard, Anne Bendix Andersen, Raymond Kolbaek, Marie Dahl, Annette Høgh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperReviewResearchpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Wound Journal
Volume20
Issue5
Pages (from-to)1796-1810
Number of pages15
ISSN1742-4801
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2023

Keywords

  • diabetic foot ulcer
  • patient experience
  • scoping review
  • telemedicine
  • wound
  • Diabetic Foot/therapy
  • Telemedicine
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Wound Healing
  • Diabetes Mellitus

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