Prevention of Diabetic Wounds Among Older Patients : A Literature Review

Abstract

Preventing diabetic wounds among older patients is not only a critical necessity, but also a critical public health priority. This thesis presents a descriptive literature review on the Prevention of Diabetic Wounds among Older Patients. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of nursing strategies aimed at preventing diabetic wounds among older patients, with a focus on current practices, common challenges, and the critical role of nursing interventions in reducing the incidence of such wounds. Five qualitative articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected from EBSCOhost and ProQuest Central databases and were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Three main themes were identified: patient education and engagement, nurses’ competence and working conditions, and resource limitations. Nurses have an important role in empowering patients through education on foot care, hygiene and early detection, while also involving families in preventive practices. Nevertheless, patient non-compliance and low motivation remain substantial barriers. Furthermore, nurses face challenges such as lack of training, emotional strain and inadequate resources. Telemedicine occurred as a supportive tool for enhancing quality of care and professional confidence. These findings align with existing literature and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen patient-centered education, professional support and healthcare system capacity to effectively prevent diabetic wounds in the aging population.

Keywords: diabetic wounds or ulcers, nurses, older patients, diabetic wound prevention, descriptive literature review