Challenges faced by people with diabetes-related foot ulcers in attending hospital-based high risk foot services: results of a consumer survey

Introduction Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) are optimally managed with a team approach to addressing infection, ischaemia, pressure offloading and sharp debridement. Treatment frequency is commonly every 1-2 weeks.Aim To investigate the actual and preferred frequency of treatment of patients, and potential factors affecting treatment attendance including perceived benefits, mobility and mode of transport.Method A convenience sample of patients attending urban or regional high risk foot services (HRFS) for treatment were invited to participate in the survey via a QR code, on paper or via phone. The study had ethics approval No X20-0550 2020/ ETH03244.Results A total of 60 participants from three centres completed the survey. Eight (13%) attended weekly, 28 (47%) every 2 weeks, and the remainder (40%) less often; 51 (85%) indicated they would attend weekly if this hastened healing; 33 (45%) had some level of difficulty in mobility impacting their ability to attend, with 11(18%) requiring a carer or family support for them to attend; most (84%) participants drove or were driven.Conclusions Physical mobility deficits impact patients' ability to attend for treatment, with the majority relying on private transport to attend appointments. Family support to enable attendance was common. These factors should be considered by providers and commissioners of services.