The Effect of Thermal Evaluation in Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Randomized Controlled Trial

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease caused by insufficient production of insulin hormone in the pancreas gland or inefficient use of the insulin produced. Diabetic neuropathy that occurs in 60-70% of patients with DM is reported to be the most important factor increasing the risk of diabetic foot. Determining risk factors in diabetic foot and attempting to eliminate or mitigate these factors have been found to be a simple, inexpensive and evidence-based tool that can be used at home by patients. This study will contribute to the current literature on the effectiveness of thermal assessment in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. The study was planned as a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial to determine the effect of thermal assessment on preventing diabetic foot ulcers in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM). For the sample of the study, compared to those with thermal evaluation, the study reported that the probability of developing diabetic feet was 10.3 times higher than those without thermal evaluation program, 48 patients (thermal evaluation group: 24 people; control group: 24 people) were included in the study. It was decided that 30 patients were lost during data collection and 35 patients were included in each study group and the study was completed with a total of 70 patients. The patients included in the study will be assigned to the experimental group (thermal evaluation group) and control group by block randomization method according to the randomization list in a ratio of 1: 1. In the study, block randomization was performed by a statistician based on the current disease year (diabetes year) and the degree of diabetic foot risk.

For the implementation of the study, permission was obtained from the ethics committee of Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty, Non-Drug and Medical Device Research Ethics Committee, and work permit was obtained from Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty Hospital Chief Physician. Patients included in the study sample will be informed before the study that the purpose of the study and participation in the study is in line with the principle of volunteering, and "Informing and Consent of Volunteers Consent Form" will be signed.

Data collection tools;

• Personal Information Form,
• Chart to Record Diabetic Foot Risk Assessment Findings
• Structured Daily Foot Care Form,
• Evaluation Charts to be Given to Patients During Discharge

Independent variables