A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Effects of Nurse and Care Worker-led Foot-Care Program on Older People's Foot Conditions: Before and After Intervention Study
Authors: Fujii Kashiko, Stolt Minna, Komoda Takuyuki, Nishikawa Mariko
Publisher: Sage
Publication year: 2021
Journal: SAGE Open Nursing
Journal name in source: SAGE OPEN NURSING
Journal acronym: SAGE OPEN NURS
Volume: 7
Number of pages: 15
ISSN: 2377-9608
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608211058492
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/68468706
Introduction: An increasing number of older people with frailty in Japan use geriatric day care centers. Older people who have been certified as requiring long-term care attend centers during the day and receive nursing care help with bathing, excretion, meals, and functional training services. Many older people have foot problems with need foot care by nurses and care workers (NCWs) at geriatric day care centers.Objective: This study explored the effects of NCWs' foot-care programs on the foot conditions of older people attending daytime services.Methods: A before-after intervention study was conducted at geriatric day care centers for older people, where the footcare program was presented by NCWs for two months. The foot conditions of 23 clients (8 men, 15 women, mean age= 78.6 years, standard deviation = 9.2) were assessed before and after the program. Changes in foot condition and clients' perceptions after the study were analyzed through descriptive statistics, McNemar, and paired t-tests.Results: Although dramatic changes in foot conditions were not observed, some conditions were improved or maintained. Changes were observed in mean dry skin scores (p <.01; right foot: 1.6 -> 1.1, left foot: 1.6 -> 1.1), skin lesions and long nails (skin lesions R: 0.2 -> 0.1; long nail R: 1.4 -> 1.0 L: 1.1 -> 0.8), and edema (R: 43.5%-> 39.1%, L: 52.2%-> 47.8%). Further, clients started perceiving that foot health is important and discussed their feet with staff more often.Conclusion: The NCWs' foot-care program was effective in maintaining and improving foot health in older people and positively affected their perception of foot care.
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