Date of Conferral
2-12-2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Deborah Lewis
Abstract
Diabetes-related foot complications remain a significant cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and lower-extremity amputation, despite strong evidence supporting routine preventive assessments. In many outpatient settings, variability in nursing knowledge, skill, and documentation practices contributes to inconsistent implementation of comprehensive diabetic foot examinations. The purpose of this practice-focused quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured staff education program designed to improve nurses’ knowledge and competency in performing comprehensive diabetic foot assessments in an outpatient diabetes clinic.A pretest–posttest evaluative design was used to measure changes in knowledge following the educational intervention. Ten registered nurses participated in a structured educational module that addressed risk factor identification, systematic inspection, vascular and sensory assessment, and standardized documentation practices. Competency was validated through return demonstrations using an evidence-based assessment framework.Results demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge following the intervention. Mean pretest scores increased from 68% to 88%, reflecting a 20-point improvement. The normalized learning gain was 66%, indicating a meaningful increase in knowledge and perceived confidence in performing comprehensive foot assessments.The project contributed to improved consistency in nursing assessment practices, enhanced documentation, and earlier identification of patients at risk for diabetic foot complications. Although limited by a small sample size, single-site implementation, and short-term outcome measures, the intervention provides a feasible and replicable model for improving preventive care practices in outpatient settings.Structured staff education represents an effective strategy for strengthening nursing competency in diabetic foot assessment. Integrating standardized educational modules into onboarding and ongoing competency validation may support sustained improvements in practice, promote patient safety, and reduce the incidence of preventable diabetes-related complications.
Recommended Citation
Abrefi, sarah, "Staff Education to Nurses to lmprove Routine Foot Examinations for Diabetic Patients" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19169.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19169
