Effect of an educational intervention on nurses' knowledge of foot care and on the foot health of older residents

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2011 Mar-Apr;101(2):159-66. doi: 10.7547/1010159.

Abstract

Background: Older people have multiple foot health problems; therefore, nursing staff need to pay attention to the foot care of older people, especially in long-term care and nursing homes. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of nursing staff (n = 16) regarding foot care, their foot-care activities, and the health of residents' (n = 43) feet in a nursing home before and after an intervention (educational program).

Methods: Nursing staff in a nursing home received a foot-care educational program that consisted of lectures and demonstrations.

Results: After the intervention, nursing staff knowledge of foot care and foot-care activities had partially improved, which was mainly seen in residents' skin health.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that an educational program can change nursing staff knowledge of foot care and their foot-care activities. However, the educational program tested in this study needs further development.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Education, Nursing / standards*
  • Educational Measurement
  • Female
  • Foot Diseases / nursing*
  • Geriatric Nursing / standards*
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff / psychology*
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Professional Competence / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult