Enhancing Diabetic Foot Prevention: Global Guidelines and Questionnaire Tools
Summary: This systematic review examines international guidelines and validated questionnaire tools for diabetic foot screening (DFS), highlighting their role in preventing diabetic foot ulcers amid rising diabetes prevalence. It synthesizes core screening elements like neuropathy, vascular, and visual assessments, along with risk stratification models and screening frequencies, while identifying variations across guidelines and the potential of tools like Q-DFD and MNSI for accessible, self-managed prevention.
Key Highlights:
- Core DFS components include monofilament testing for neuropathy, pedal pulse palpation for vascular status, and visual inspection for early ulcer signs.
- Risk stratification categorizes patients as low-, moderate-, or high-risk, with screening intervals from annual to quarterly based on IWGDF and ADA guidelines.
- Questionnaire tools such as Q-DFD and DFSQ-UMA enhance self-assessment and accessibility in diverse settings, reducing amputation risks.
- Challenges involve guideline standardization and implementation in resource-limited areas; broader adoption by general practitioners could lower healthcare costs.
Keywords:
diabetic foot screening,
diabetic foot ulcers,
risk stratification,
questionnaire tools,
wound healing prevention