Evaluation of Nurses' Knowledge Levels of Diabetic Foot Care Management

BACKGROUND: Nurses, important members of the diabetes treatment team, have an essential role in the prevention of diabetic foot problems and in the care and education of patients at risk of diabetic foot problems. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the knowledge levels of nurses regarding diabetic foot care management and determined influencing factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The research sample comprised 435 nurses who worked in a private hospital. The research data were collected using the “Nurse Information Form” and “Nurses' Knowledge Level Form on Diabetic Foot Management”. RESULTS: It was found that 66% of the nurses did not receive training in diabetic foot care, 80.9% did not educate patients with diabetic foot problems, and 77.5% did not perform foot examinations on diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: Nurses' knowledge level scores regarding diabetic foot management are adequate, but this knowledge is not used during patient care. In order to facilitate nurses' involvement in diabetic foot management, theoretical and practical training programs should be organized and nurses should be encouraged to participate in these programs.