Nurses’ Role in the Management of Foot Ulcers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Clinical Settings: A Descriptive Literature Review
del Rosario, Rasiel Joy; Serrame, Ruby Ann (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061923345
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061923345
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ role in managing foot ulcers in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical settings. The aim was to understand how nurses utilize different interventions to manage diabetic foot ulcers in adults with T2DM, concentrating on prevention, foot ulcer care and patient education.
A qualitative study design was adopted as a methodological approach, using a descriptive literature review method. The data gathering of articles in this study were obtained from trustworthy references, CINAHL and PubMed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of thirteen (13) relevant articles were assessed and the data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.
Thirteen (13) articles were evaluated to find answers for two (2) study questions. For study question one (1), five (5) articles explored how nurses manage diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in adults with T2DM, identifying four (4)
categories: physical assessment, neurological assessment, vascular assessment and infection control. For study question two (2), ten (10) articles discussed the role of nurses in DFU care, highlighting four (4) roles: leadership in nursing, patient advocate, health educator and collaborator.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain to be a severe medical consequences of diabetes and nurses contribute an important role in prevention through early detection and assessments. When equipped to lead, advocate, educate and collaborate, nurses can provide patient-centered care that lower the risk of infection, hospitalization and even amputation. Continuous education, training and teamwork can promote more favourable outcomes and greater life satisfaction for adults with DFUs.
A qualitative study design was adopted as a methodological approach, using a descriptive literature review method. The data gathering of articles in this study were obtained from trustworthy references, CINAHL and PubMed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of thirteen (13) relevant articles were assessed and the data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.
Thirteen (13) articles were evaluated to find answers for two (2) study questions. For study question one (1), five (5) articles explored how nurses manage diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in adults with T2DM, identifying four (4)
categories: physical assessment, neurological assessment, vascular assessment and infection control. For study question two (2), ten (10) articles discussed the role of nurses in DFU care, highlighting four (4) roles: leadership in nursing, patient advocate, health educator and collaborator.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain to be a severe medical consequences of diabetes and nurses contribute an important role in prevention through early detection and assessments. When equipped to lead, advocate, educate and collaborate, nurses can provide patient-centered care that lower the risk of infection, hospitalization and even amputation. Continuous education, training and teamwork can promote more favourable outcomes and greater life satisfaction for adults with DFUs.