The Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care Patients at Diabetic Foot Clinic in Hatyai Hospital

Abstract

Complications from diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of limb loss among patients. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcer care in the diabetic foot clinic and to identify factors associated with wound healing at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Hatyai Hospital. This descriptive study included 75 diabetic foot ulcer patients who received care from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Medical records were reviewed, and data were analyzed using retrospective descriptive study, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test to identify factors associated with wound healing. The results showed that the sample consisted of 38 male patients (50.7%) with a mean age of 57.33 ± 12.39 years. Most patients had ulcers for less than one month (62.6%), and the majority of ulcers were located on the toes (56%). All patients had peripheral neuropathy. Among those who received at least six months of treatment, 89.3% had favorable outcomes without complications or limb amputation. The incidence of new ulcers was 5.3%, and 2.7% underwent additional toe amputations. Statistically significant factors associated with wound healing included wound depth (p=.005), foot deformity (p=.028), and the duration of the wound before treatment (p=.013). It is recommended to develop an active screening system and focus on the care of deep ulcers, foot deformities, or chronic wounds, with a multidisciplinary approach to prevent complications in diabetic patients.