Affiliation:
1. Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 6th km Charilaou—Thermi Road, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
2. Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 52124 Thessaloniki, Greece
3. Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a significant challenge in diabetes care, demanding advanced approaches for effective prevention and management. Smart insoles using sensor technology have emerged as promising tools to address the challenges associated with DFU and neuropathy. By recognizing the pivotal role of smart insoles in successful prevention and healthcare management, this scoping review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence regarding DFU studies related to smart insoles, offloading sensors, and actuator technologies. This systematic review identified and critically evaluated 11 key studies exploring both sensor technologies and offloading devices in the context of DFU care through searches in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases. Predominantly, smart insoles, mobile applications, and wearable technologies were frequently utilized for interventions and patient monitoring in diabetic foot care. Patients emphasized the importance of these technologies in facilitating care management. The pivotal role of offloading devices is underscored by the majority of the studies exhibiting increased efficient monitoring, prevention, prognosis, healing rate, and patient adherence. The findings indicate that, overall, smart insoles and digital technologies are perceived as acceptable, feasible, and beneficial in meeting the specific needs of DFU patients. By acknowledging the promising outcomes, the present scoping review suggests smart technologies can potentially redefine DFU management by emphasizing accessibility, efficacy, and patient centricity.
Reference36 articles.
1. Cellular and Molecular Basis of Wound Healing in Diabetes;Brem;J. Clin. Investig.,2007
2. Complex Interventions for Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulceration;Hoogeveen;Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.,2015
3. Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Their Recurrence;Armstrong;N. Engl. J. Med.,2017
4. High Prevalence of Ischaemia, Infection and Serious Comorbidity in Patients with Diabetic Foot Disease in Europe. Baseline Results from the Eurodiale Study;Prompers;Diabetologia,2007
5. Oliver, T.I., and Mutluoglu, M. (2024, February 29). Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537328/.