Health care quality in patients with a diagnosis of diabetic foot

Information for nursing staff, 2022, 55(2), 3-6.

T. Slavkova, G. Yankova

Department of Health Care, Affiliate „Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev“ – Vratsa, Medical University – Sofia

Abstract. Diabetic foot is one of the most severe and debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus. Its treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. The quality of health care depends on the qualifications and professional skills of nurses, which determines the satisfaction of patients with medical care and the economic stability of medical institutions. The study aims to analyze nursing opinions regarding the care of patients with diabetic foot and to identify factors for improving their quality. Material and methods: In the period January – April 2022, a survey of 32 nurses working in surgical departments with activities in vascular surgery of three multidisciplinary hospitals for active treatment (MBAL „Hristo Botev“ – Vratsa, MBAL „Stamen Iliev“ – Montana and MBAL „City Clinic – St. George“ – Montana) was conducted. The results show the need to carry out specialized training for nurses in terms of identifying the risk factors for the occurrence of the disease and the individual care needs of each patient. The creation of conditions for increasing the qualifications of nurses will allow the introduction of a unified health care algorithm for patients with a diabetic foot. In this way, the overall treatment process will be supported and the quality and efficiency of medical care will be increased, which will contribute to the sustainable development of healthcare facilities.

Key words: diabetic foot, nurses, health care, quality

Address for correspondence: Tatyana Slavkova, PhD, e-mail: t.slavkova@filialvratsa.mu-sofia.bg