Date of Conferral
2016
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Eric Anderson
Abstract
Abstract
Development of Assessment and Screening Tool
to Assist with Prevention and Identification of Charcot Foot in Type 2 Diabetics
by
Louise Wade MSN, RN
MS, West Texas A&M University, 2010
BS, West Texas A&M University, 2010
Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Walden University
August 2016
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, up to 50% of type 2 diabetic patients
develop neuropathy, which may cause major infections, amputation, and Charcot foot due
to impaired sensation. Early recognition and care is essential for treatment of Charcot
foot and prevention of further injury. Due to the complexity of this potentially life
threatening complication, assessment is challenging, especially when practitioners who
treat adult diabetic patients may not be familiar with Charcot foot. The purpose of this
scholarly project was to develop an assessment, screening tool, and algorithm for
detecting Charcot foot; an additional goal was to develop practice guidelines for
practitioners to assist in the early recognition, treatment, and referral of adult diabetic
patients at risk for Charcot foot. Lippitt's theory of change was used to guide the project.
An interdisciplinary team of stakeholders was assembled to guide development of the
tool, algorithm, and practice guidelines. Products were developed in accordance with
evidence in current peer-reviewed literature and American Diabetes Association
recommendations for Charcot foot diagnosis, treatment, and referral. Content was
validated using a scale content validation instrument process to obtain input from experts
in the care of Charcot foot. An implementation plan was developed to guide introduction
of the products into practice, and an evaluation plan created to determine the extent to
which intermediate term outcomes are met using these products. The project may
contribute to social change by identifying patients at risk for Charcot foot prior to the
onset of the complication, therefore preventing further injury, deformity, or amputation in
populations that are often unable to afford quality healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Wade, Louise S., "Development of Assessment and Screening Tool to Assist with Prevention and Identification of Charcot Foot in Type 2 Diabetics" (2016). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 2770.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2770
