| 1. |
- Hellstrand, Stefan, 1955, et al.
(author)
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A new approach to quantifying the sustainability effects of healthcare: Applied to the diabetic foot
- 2019
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In: The Foot and Ankle Online Journal. - 1941-6806. ; 12:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A vital role for any society is to deliver health care considering: 1) the planetary boundaries, 2) the complexity of systems and 3) the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). The aim is to explore the feasibility of a method to quantify the sustainability effects in health-care services. A toolbox was explored in the prevention and care of foot complications in diabetes. People with diabetes run the risk of developing foot ulcers and undergoing amputations. Three relationships between ecosystems and human health and health-care systems were identified as: (i) The economic resources for health care have previously appropriated ecological resources in the economic process. (ii) Health-care systems consume natural resources. (iii) Ecosystems and the landscape affect human well-being. Some types of landscape support human well-being, while others do not. This category also includes the impact of emissions on human health. Diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases with high mortality and foot complications. With health-promoting interventions, the risk of developing foot ulcers and undergoing amputations can be halved. The toolbox that was used could manage the complexity of systems. Several of the 17 SDGs can be calculated in the prevention of complications in diabetes: quality of life improves, while the costs of healthcare and the burden on the economy caused by people not being able to work decrease. The appropriation of natural resources and the wasted assimilated capacity for the same welfare level decreases, thereby offering an option to deliver health care within the planetary boundaries.
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| 2. |
- Hellstrand, Stefan, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Measuring sustainability in healthcare: an analysis of two systems providing insoles to patients with diabetes
- 2021
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In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-2975 .- 1387-585X. ; 23, s. 6987-7001
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is an increasing demand to quantify the footprints, ecological, economic and social, in terms of the effect of different interventions in healthcare. The aim of this study was to compare two systems providing patients with diabetes with insoles in terms of their eco-logical, economic and social footprints. Prefabricated insoles (PRI) were compared with custom-made insoles (CMI). Using a welfare-economic monetary approach, costs were estimated for (1) treatment, (2) travelling to and from the hospital in terms of both fuel and time consumed by the patients and (3) society through emissions contributing to climate change. The proportion of patients/year that could be supplied within the same budget, for each individual treatment, was calculated. The cost of the insoles was 825 SEK (PRI) and 1450 SEK (CMI), respectively. The cost, mean value/patient due to the consumption of patients’ time at the department, was 754 SEK (PRI) and 1508 SEK (CMI), respectively. Emissions, in terms of CO2 equivalent, were 13.7 (PRI) and 27.4 (CMI), respectively. Using PRI, a total of 928 patients could be provided/year compared with 500 patients if CMI are used. By using PRI, the cost/treatment was reduced by 46%. The cost of treatment dominated and the cost of time consumed by patients were also substantial. The societal cost of contributing to climate change was of low importance. By using PRI, the needs of 86% more patients could be met within the same budget. Using these methods, the contri-bution of healthcare systems to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals approved by the UN can be quantified.
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| 3. |
- Andersson, Susanne, 1957-, et al.
(author)
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Experiences of a Novel Structured Foot Examination Form for Patients With Diabetes From the Perspective of Health Care Professionals : Qualitative Study
- 2023
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In: JMIR nursing. - : JMIR Publications. - 2562-7600. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a growing threat to public health, and secondary diseases like foot complications are common. Foot ulcers affect the individual's quality of life and are a great cost to society. Regular foot examinations prevent foot ulcers and are a recommended approach both in Sweden and worldwide. Despite existing guidelines, there are differences in the execution of the foot examination, which results in care inequality. A structured foot examination form based on current guidelines was developed in this study as the first step toward digitalized support in the daily routine, and was validated by diabetes health care professionals.OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to validate a structured foot examination form by assessing health care professionals' experiences of working with it "foot side" when examining patients with diabetes.METHODS: Semistructured interviews were held in a focus group and individually with 8 informants from different diabetes professions, who were interviewed regarding their experiences of working with the form in clinical practice. The users' data were analyzed inductively using qualitative content analysis. The study is part of a larger project entitled "Optimised care of persons with diabetes and foot complications," with Västra Götaland Region as the responsible health care authority, where the results will be further developed.RESULTS: Experiences of working with the form were that it simplified the foot examination by giving it an overview and a clear structure. Using the form made differences in work routines between individuals apparent. It was believed that implementing the form routinely would contribute to a more uniform execution. When patients had foot ulcers, the risk categories (established in guidelines) were perceived as contradictory. For example, there was uncertainty about the definition of chronic ulcers and callosities. The expectations were that the future digital format would simplify documentation and elucidate the foot examination, as well as contribute to the accessibility of updated and relevant data for all individuals concerned.CONCLUSIONS: The foot examination form works well as a support tool during preventive foot examination, creates a basis for decision-making, and could contribute to a uniform and safer foot examination with more care equality in agreement with current guidelines.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05692778; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05692778.
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| 4. |
- Gigante, Isabella, et al.
(author)
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Offloading of diabetes-related neuropathic foot ulcers at Swedish prosthetic and orthotic clinics
- 2023
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In: Diabetes-Metabolism Research and Reviews. - : Wiley. - 1520-7552 .- 1520-7560.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: This study aimed to assess (1) the use of different offloading interventions in Sweden for the healing of diabetes-related plantar neuropathic forefoot ulcers, (2) factors influencing the offloading intervention choice, and (3) the awareness of current gold standard offloading devices.Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed via SurveyMonkey to 51 prosthetic and orthotic clinics in Sweden.Results: Thirty-five (69%) practitioners responded to the questionnaire. Eighty-six percent of the practitioners provided modified off-the-shelf footwear combined with insoles to treat diabetes-related plantar neuropathic forefoot ulcers. A total contact cast (TCC) was provided by 20% of the practitioners, and a nonremovable knee-high walker was provided by 0%. Multiple practitioner-, patient-, intervention-, and wound-related factors were considered when practitioners provided offloading interventions to patients with this type of ulcer. The majority of the practitioners did not or were unsure whether they considered TCC or a non-removable knee-high walker to be the gold standard treatment.Conclusions: Practitioners mainly provided the offloading intervention that the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot strongly recommends not be provided, namely, modified off-the-shelf footwear with insoles. In contrast, TCC and nonremovable knee-high walkers, as the gold standards, were vastly underutilised. Therefore, the pattern of providing offloading interventions was almost exactly opposite to the recommendations of evidence-based guidelines. Different factors were considered when providing offloading interventions to patients with diabetes-related plantar neuropathic forefoot ulcers. The practitioners' lack of awareness regarding gold standard devices may have contributed to the underutilisation of TCC and nonremovable knee-high walkers.
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| 5. |
- Hellgren, Elin, et al.
(author)
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Exploring in-shoe plantar pressure differences at the metatarsal pad position for patients with diabetes and toe deformities: A pilot study
- 2022
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In: The Journal of the International Foot & Ankle Foundation. ; 1:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with diabetes are often prescribed insoles with metatarsal pads intended to prevent and offload forefoot ulcers. However, to our knowledge, the plantar pressures specifically at the metatarsal pad had not previously been researched. The aim of this study was therefore to explore plantar pressures at the metatarsal pad position by comparing three toe deformity groups, claw toe (CT)/hammer toe (HT) and hallux valgus (HV), with a control group (NONE). In-shoe plantar pressures were measured using F-ScanTM and a polygon region of interest at the metatarsal pad position was created. Mean peak pressure (MPP), pressure-time integral (PTI) and percentage foot-insole contact area at the metatarsal pad position (%CA) were analysed from 24 patients (48 feet) in the metatarsal pad area. No significant difference was found between the groups regarding MPP, PTI or contact area. For MPP, the highest value was found in CT/HT (140kPa ± 61) and the lowest in HV (112kPa ± 33). In PTI, the highest value was for CT/HT (2.0 Ns/cm2 ± 1.0) and the lowest for HV (1.3 Ns/cm2 ± 0.4). The %CA was highest in CT/HT/HV (95%) and lowest in NONE (70%). A new quantitative approach was presented, assessing the metatarsal pad pressure effect on its corresponding plantar area of the foot. Further studies are needed to identify the conditions in which a metatarsal pad affects different foot statuses with regard to plantar pressure.
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| 6. |
- Hellstrand Tang, Ulla, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Clinical guidelines recommending prosthetics and orthotics in Sweden : Agreement between national and regional guidelines
- 2024
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In: Prosthetics and Orthotics International. - : Sage Publications. - 0309-3646 .- 1746-1553. ; 48:3, s. 284-289
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Despite the presence of both national and regional clinical practical guidelines (CPGs) in Sweden, no previous studies have investigated the quality of CPGs or the level of agreement between national and regional CPGs.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the quality of national CPGs recommending prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) and quantify the agreement between national and regional CPGs in Sweden.STUDY DESIGN: Literature Review.METHODS: National and regional CPGs were identified in public databases and by surveyed local nurse practitioners. Quality of the national guidelines was assessed by using AGREE II. Agreement between recommendations in the national and regional CPGs was quantified on a 4-grade rating scale ("similar," "partially similar," "not similar/not present," and "different").RESULTS: Of 18 national CPGs, 3 CPGs (CPGs of Diabetes, Musculoskeletal disorders, and Stroke) had 9 recommendations related to P&O. The Musculoskeletal disorders and Stroke CPGs had quality scores .60% in all domains, and the Diabetes CPG had scores .60% in 5 of 6 domains according to AGREE II. Seven regional CPGs for P&O treatment were identified. Three national recommendations (in Diabetes CPGs) showed "similar" content for all regions, and 2 national recommendations (in Diabetes CPGs) showed "not similar" content for all regions. The remaining recommendations (Diabetes, Musculoskeletal disorders, and Stroke CPGs) had varying agreement with regional CPGs. CONCLUSIONS: There is a limited number of national recommendations for treatment within P&O. There was variation in the agreement of P&O-related recommendations in national and regional CPGs, which might lead to unequal care throughout the national healthcare system.
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| 7. |
- Hellstrand Tang, Ulla, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of plantar pressure in three types of insole given to patients with diabetes at risk of developing foot ulcers – A two-year, randomized trial
- 2014
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In: Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2214-6237. ; 1:4, s. 121-132
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Special insoles and shoes designed to prevent foot ulcers caused by repetitive high pressures are recommended for patients with diabetes who have any of the following risk factors: neuropathy; peripheral vascular disease; foot deformities; previous ulcers; amputation; and skin pathologies. However, there is a need for increased knowledge regarding: a) differences in the peak pressure (PP) and pressure time integral (PTI) for different types of insoles; and b) the properties of the pressure distribution for insoles used over a period of several months. We present the results of a randomized trial to compare the plantar pressures of three commonly used insoles. Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the PP and PTI between three types of insoles. The secondary objective was to explore the long-term pattern of peak plantar pressure distribution and variations in specific regions of interest (ROI). The tertiary objective was to investigate the impacts of insole adjustments, how much the insoles were used, and the levels of patient satisfaction. Methods In a 2-year trial, 114 patients with type 1 (N = 31) or type 2 (N = 83) diabetes (62 men and 52 women; mean age, 57.7 ± 15.4 years; duration of diabetes, 12.3 ± 11.2 years; neuropathy, 38%), were randomized to be supplied with one of three different insoles. The ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) insoles were used in outdoor walking shoes. The 35 EVA group (N = 39) received soft custom-made insoles composed of EVA of 35 shore A hardness, the 55 EVA group (N = 37) received custom-made insoles composed of EVA of 55 shore hardness, and the control group (N = 38) received prefabricated insoles composed of a hard core with a top layer of soft 12 shore hardness microfiber. Using F-Scan®, the in-shoe plantar pressures were measured at seven ROI (hallux, metatarsal head 1, metatarsal head 2, metatarsal head 4, metatarsal head 5, lateral aspect of the mid-foot, heel) on five occasions during the study period. The plantar-pressure variables used were PP (main outcome) and PTI. The plantar patterns of load were explored, satisfaction and usage of the insoles were rated by the participants, and insole adjustments were recorded. Results:A mixed model analysis estimated lower PP values in the heel regions for the 35 EVA and 55 EVA insoles (171 ± 13 and 161 ± 13 kPa, respectively) than for the prefabricated insoles (234 ± 10 kPa) (p
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| 8. |
- Hellstrand Tang, Ulla, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Foot anthropometrics in individuals with diabetes compared with the general Swedish population: Implications for shoe design
- 2017
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In: Foot and Ankle Online Journal. - : International Foot and Ankle Foundation. - 1941-6806. ; 10:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The literature offers sparse information about foot anthropometrics in patients with diabetes related to foot length, foot width and toe height, although these measurements are important in shoe fitting. A poorly fitted shoe is one of many contributory factors in the development of diabetic foot ulcers. The purpose of this study was to describe the foot anthropometrics in groups of patients with diabetes, in groups representing the general population and to explore whether foot anthropometrics differ between patients with diabetes and the general population. Method: Foot anthropometrics (foot length, foot width and maximum toe height) was measured in 164 patients with diabetes, with and without neuropathy (n = 102 and n = 62 respectively). The general population was represented by 855 participants from two sources. Results: Foot length, foot width and toe height varied (220-305 mm; 82-132 mm and 15-45 mm respectively) in the diabetic group and in the group representing the general population (194-306 mm; 74-121 mm and 17-31 mm respectively). Age, gender and BMI influence the foot anthropometrics, however, when adjusting for theses variables the index foot length/width was lower (2.58) in patients with diabetes without neuropathy vs. controls (2.63), p = 0.018. Moreover, patients with diabetes with neuropathy had wider feet (98.6 mm) compared with the controls (97.0 mm), p = 0.047. Conclusions: The individual variations of foot length, foot width and maximum toe height were large. The impact of gender on foot anthropometrics was confirmed and the impact of age and BMI were shown. Patients with diabetes seemed to have a wider forefoot width and a lower foot length to foot width ratio compared to the controls.
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| 9. |
- Hellstrand Tang, Ulla, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Foot deformities, function in the lower extremities, and plantar pressure in patients with diabetes at high risk to develop foot ulcers
- 2015
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In: Diabetic Foot & Ankle. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2000-625X. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective : Foot deformities, neuropathy, and dysfunction in the lower extremities are known risk factors that increase plantar peak pressure (PP) and, as a result, the risk of developing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. However, knowledge about the prevalence of these factors is still limited. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence of risk factors observed in patients with diabetes without foot ulcers and to explore possible connections between the risk factors and high plantar pressure. Patients and methods : Patients diagnosed with type 1 ( n= 27) or type 2 ( n= 47) diabetes (mean age 60.0±15.0 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Assessments included the registration of foot deformities; test of gross function at the hip, knee, and ankle joints; a stratification of the risk of developing foot ulcers according to the Swedish National Diabetes Register; a walking test; and self-reported questionnaires including the SF-36 health survey. In-shoe PP was measured in seven regions of interests on the sole of the foot using F-Scan ® . An exploratory analysis of the association of risk factors with PP was performed. Results : Neuropathy was present in 28 (38%), and 39 (53%) had callosities in the heel region. Low forefoot arch was present in 57 (77%). Gait-related parameters, such as the ability to walk on the forefoot or heel, were normal in all patients. Eighty percent had normal function at the hip and ankle joints. Gait velocity was 1.2±0.2 m/s. All patients were stratified to risk group 3. Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus were associated with an increase in the PP in the medial forefoot. A higher body mass index (BMI) was found to increase the PP at metatarsal heads 4 and 5. Pes planus was associated with a decrease in PP at metatarsal head 1. Neuropathy did not have a high association with PP. Conclusions: This study identified several potential risk factors for the onset of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus appeared to increase the PP under the medial forefoot and a high BMI appeared to increase the PP under the lateral forefoot. There is a need to construct a simple, valid, and reliable assessment routine to detect potential risk factors for the onset of DFU.
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| 10. |
- Hellstrand Tang, Ulla, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Patients’ Expectations of Evidence-Based Service at the Pharmacy Regarding Information on Self-Care of the Feet for Persons with Diabetes at Risk of Developing Foot Ulcers – A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Sweden
- 2023
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In: Patient Preference and Adherence. - : Dove Medical Press. - 1177-889X. ; 17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Self-care of the feet is one of the cornerstones in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Often, individuals with diabetes seek help at the pharmacy, but it is still unclear whether the service meets their expectations and needs. The aims were to explore patients’ expectations of support from the pharmacy regarding self-care of their feet and explore how patients with diabetes felt that they managed the self-care of their feet. Patients and Methods: The included participants (n = 17), aged 70 ± 9 years, answered surveys regarding their expectations of support from the pharmacy related to self-care of the feet and how they felt that they managed the self-care of their feet. By using software, MyFoot Diabetes, they assessed their risk of developing DFU (ranging from 1 = no risk to 4 = DFU). In addition, a healthcare professional assessed the risk grade. Results: Sixteen patients had not received any information from the pharmacy regarding how to take care of their feet. Several suggestions for ways the pharmacy could help patients with diabetes to take care of their feet were registered. They included having the necessary skills and competence, giving advice regarding self-care, giving information regarding the products they market and have for sale and giving advice on ointments/creams. The participants gave several examples of how they self-managed their feet: by wearing shoes indoors and outdoors, wearing socks and compression stockings as often as possible, being physically active, inspecting their feet, being aware of the fact that their feet have no problems, washing, moisturising their feet, cutting their nails and finally seeking help to prevent DFU. Conclusion: The participants thought that they should receive competent information from the personnel at the pharmacy to improve the self-care of their feet, eg, being given information about which ointments/creams to use. Clinical Trial: NCT05692778. Plain Language Summary: Persons living with diabetes have better opportunities to be physically active, keep on walking and participate in social activity if the feet are in good health. Besides getting support from healthcare, on how to promote good foot health, the pharmacies offer services and products aimed for self-care of the feet. Seventeen persons living with diabetes in the western region of Sweden answered a survey regarding their expectations of support from the pharmacy related to self-care of the feet and how they felt that they managed the self-care of their feet. The study found that persons living with diabetes self-managed their feet in different ways. The services being available from the pharmacies should be improved, promoting good foot health for persons living with diabetes, and in its prolongation prevent the development of diabetic foot ulcers.
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