Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers For People With Diabetes Second Edition1

Clinical Best
Practice Guidelines
MARCH 2013
Assessment and Management of

Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes
Second Edition
Disclaimer
These guidelines are not binding on nurses or the organizations that employ them. The use of these guidelines
should be flexible, and based on individual needs and local circumstances. They neither constitute a liability nor
discharge from liability. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents at the time of
publication, neither the authors nor the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) give any guarantee as
to the accuracy of the information contained in them nor accept any liability, with respect to loss, damage, injury
or expense arising from any such errors or omission in the contents of this work.
Copyright
With the exception of those portions of this document for which a specific prohibition or limitation against
copying appears, the balance of this document may be produced, reproduced and published in its entirety,
without modification, in any form, including in electronic form, for educational or non-commercial purposes.
Should any adaptation of the material be required for any reason, written permission must be obtained from
the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Appropriate credit or citation must appear on all copied materials
as follows:
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2013). Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with
Diabetes (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
This work is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Contact Information
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
158 Pearl Street, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1L3
Website: www.rnao.ca/bestpractices

Second Edition
Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes, Second Edition
Greetings from Doris Grinspun,

Chief Executive Officer, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) is delighted to present the
second edition of the clinical best practice guideline, Assessment and Management
of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes. Evidence-based practice supports the
excellence in service that health professionals are committed to delivering every
day. RNAO is pleased to provide you with this key resource, selected by the Council
of the Federation for national implementation.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many stakeholders that are making our vision
for Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) a reality: the Government of Ontario, for
recognizing RNAOs ability to lead the program and for providing multi-year
funding; Drs. Irmajean Bajnok and Monique Lloyd, Director and Associate Director
(respectively) of the RNAO International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines
(IABPG) Centre, for their expertise and leadership in advancing the development of BPGs; and Expert Panel Chair
Laura Teague, Wound Specialist at Saint Michaels Hospital in Toronto, Canada, for her exquisite expertise and
stewardship of this guideline. Thanks also to RNAO staff Rishma Nazarali, Sarah Xiao, Anastasia Harripaul and
Andrea Stubbs, for their intense work in the production of this second edition. Special thanks to the entire BPG
Expert Panel for generously providing time and expertise to deliver a rigorous and robust clinical resource.
We couldnt have done it without you!
The nursing and health-care community, with their unwavering commitment and passion for excellence in patient
care, have provided the expertise and countless hours of volunteer work essential to the development and revision of
each guideline. Employers have responded enthusiastically by nominating best practice Champions, implementing
guidelines, and evaluating their impact on patients and organizations. Governments at home and abroad have joined
in this journey. Together, we are building a culture of evidence-based practice.
Successful uptake of BPGs requires a concerted effort from educators, clinicians, employers, policy makers and
researchers. After lodging the evidence into their minds and hearts, knowledgeable and skillful health professionals
and students need healthy work environments to enable guideline use and practice changes.
We ask that you share this guideline with members of the interprofessional team, as there is much to learn from one
another. Together, we must ensure that the public receives the best possible care every time they come in contact with
us making them the real winners in this important effort!
Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD, LLD (Hon), O. ONT.

Chief Executive Officer
R E G I S T E R E D N U R S E S A S S O C I AT I O N O F O N TA R I O
Greetings from Vasanthi Srinivasan and Susan Williams,

Lead ADMs, Council of the Federation, Clinical Practice Guidelines Working Group
At their Council of the Federation meeting in
January 2012, provincial and territorial Premiers
launched a series of new initiatives designed
to encourage collaboration and cooperation
on health care innovations across the country.
Premiers received the first report from the Health
Care Innovation Working Group co-chaired by PEI
Premier Ghiz and Saskatchewan Premier Brad, and
directed their Ministers of Health to come together
and work closely with national and regional
health professional organizations to ensure that
Vasanthi Srinivasan
Susan Williams
Canadians have access to the best quality health
care in the world. While Premiers acknowledged that Canadas provinces and territories are pursuing innovation in
their own jurisdictions, they recognized that more transformative, lasting change can be achieved together.
As part of this new initiative, Premiers asked Ontario and Alberta to co-lead work on accelerating the adoption of key
clinical best practice guidelines across the country. Premiers want to ensure that all Canadians benefit from up to date,
evidence-based guidance, regardless of where in Canada it is developed. So, after consulting with government health
officials, major health professional groups including CMA, CNA/RNAO, HEAL, and many other relevant experts,
provincial and territorial Ministers of Health recommended to their Premiers the wide adoption of two guidelines for
the initial phase of this pan-Canadian work. One of these two guidelines was the Registered Nurses Association of
Ontario (RNAO) Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes.
Ensuring quality health care requires access to high-quality, regularly updated advice for patient care. The RNAOs
Nursing Best Practice Guidelines Program provides Premiers with exactly the level of scientific rigour they are looking
for, combined with the accessibility and usability needed to quickly spread the guideline to nursing practitioners and
other health professionals across the country.
Given Canadas aging population and rising rates of diabetes, our health systems will increasingly depend on resources
like the RNAOs Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes guideline to manage demands for
these important health care services. We would like to thank RNAO for their hard work and leadership in transforming
evidence into action. This ongoing commitment is helping to ensure quality health care for all Canadians.
Co-Leads
Clinical Practice Guidelines Working Group,
Health Care Innovation Working Group
Vasanthi Srinivasan
Assistant Deputy Minister
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Susan Williams
Assistant Deputy Minister
Alberta Health
BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
w w w. R N A O . c a
Table of Contents
How to use this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
BACKGROUND
Summary of Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Interpretation of Evidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Panel Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RNAO Best Practice Guideline Program Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Stakeholder Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Background Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
Practice Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Education Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Organization and Policy Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Research Gaps and Future Implications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Evaluation/Monitoring of Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Implementation Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
REFERENCES
Process for Guideline Update/Review of Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Reference List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Appendix B: Guideline Development Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Appendix C: Process for Systematic Review/Search Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Appendix D: University of Texas Foot Classification System Categories 4-6: Risk Factors for Amputation. . . . . . . . 109
Appendix E: University of Texas Foot Classification System Categories 0-3: Risk Factors for Ulceration . . . . . . . . . 110
Appendix F: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Diabetic Wound Classification System . . . . . . . 112
Appendix G: PEDIS: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Classification System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Appendix H: Description of Foot Deformities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Appendix I: Diagnostic Tests to Determine Vascular Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Appendix J: Wound Swabbing Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Appendix L: Suggestions for Assessing and Selecting Shoes and Socks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
APPENDICES
Appendix K: Use of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Appendix M: Offloading Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Appendix N: Clinic Assessment Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Appendix O: Optional Treatment Modalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Appendix P: Debridement Decision-Making Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Appendix Q: Topical Antimicrobial Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Appendix R: A Guide to Dressing Foot Wounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Appendix S: Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You Brochure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Appendix T: Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) Tool 3.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Appendix U: Resources for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Appendix V: Description of the Toolkit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
BACKGROUND
How to Use this Document

This nursing best practice guidelineG is a comprehensive document that provides resources necessary for the support
of evidence-based nursing practice. The document needs to be reviewed and applied, based on the specific needs of
the organization or practice setting/environment, as well as the needs and wishes of the clientG. This guideline should
be applied as a tool or template that is intended to enhance decision making in the provision of individualized care.
In addition, the guideline provides an overview of appropriate structures and supports necessary for the provision
of the best possible evidence-based care.
Nurses, other health-care professionals and administrators who lead and facilitate practice changes will find
this document invaluable for the development of policies, procedures, protocols, educational programs and
assessments, interventions and documentation tools. Nurses providing direct care will benefit from reviewing the
recommendations, the evidenceG in support of the recommendations and the process that was used to develop
this edition of the guideline. However, it is highly recommended that practice settings/environments adapt these
guidelines in formats that would be user-friendly for daily use. This guideline has some suggested formats for
local adaptation and tailoring.
Organizations adopting the guideline are advised to carry out the following processes:
a) Assess current nursing and health-care practices using the recommendations in the guideline.
b) Identify recommendations that will address needs or gaps in services.
c) Develop a plan to implement the recommendations systematically using associated tools and resources, with
particular attention to the RNAO Implementation Toolkit (2012b).
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario is interested in hearing how you have implemented this guideline.
Please contact us to share your story. Implementation resources are available through the RNAO website
(www.RNAO.ca) to assist individuals and organizations to implement best practice guidelines.
* Throughout this document, terms marked with the superscript symbol G (G) can be found in the
Glossary of Terms (Appendix A).
Purpose and Scope

BACKGROUND
Best practice guidelines are systematically developed statements designed to assist nurses and clients in decision
making about appropriate health care (Field & Lohr, 1990). This guideline has been developed to address the question
of how to assess and manage people with established diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcer(s)G. It provides evidencebased recommendations to all nurses and the interprofessional teamG who provide care in all health-care settings to
people (>15 years of age) with type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes and who have established diabetic foot ulcers.
Caring for people with diabetic foot ulcers is an interprofessional endeavour. Effective care depends on a coordinated
interprofessional approach incorporating ongoing communication between health-care professionals and people
with diabetic foot ulcers. It is, however, acknowledged that personal preferences and unique needs as well as the
personal and environmental resources available to each client must always be considered in the delivery of care.
The intent of this document is to assist all nurses and the interprofessional team to focus on evidence-based
strategies, within the context of the health-care professional-client relationship. It is further acknowledged that
individual competencies of nurses may vary among nurses and across categories of nursing professionals. These
competencies are based on knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment enhanced over time by experience and
education. It is expected that individual nurses will perform only those aspects of care for which they have received
appropriate education and experience. All nurses should seek consultation in instances where the clients care needs
surpass the individual nurses ability to act independently.
See Appendix A for a glossary of terms. See Appendices B and C for the guideline development process and process
for systematic reviewG/search of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Summary of Recommendations
This guideline is a new edition of, and replaces, the 2005 publication of the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline:
Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes. Recommendations are marked as , ,
or NEW according to the following:

No change was made to the recommendation as a result of the systematic review evidence.
The recommendation and/or supporting evidence were updated as a result of the systematic review evidence.
NEW A new recommendation was developed as a result of the systematic review evidence*.
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONSG
Assessment
1.0 Obtain a comprehensive health history and perform physical

examination of affected limb(s).
Ib IV
1.1 Identify the location and classification of foot ulcer(s) and measure
length, width and depth of wound bed.
Ia IV
1.2 Assess bed of foot ulcer(s) for exudate, odour, condition of peri-ulcer
skin and pain.
IV
1.3 Assess affected limb(s) for vascular supply and facilitate appropriate
diagnostic testing, as indicated.
III IV
1.4 Assess foot ulcer(s) for infectionG using clinical assessment

techniques, based on signs and symptoms, and facilitate appropriate
diagnostic testing, if indicated.
Ia
1.5 Assess affected limb(s) for sensory, autonomic and motor changes.
IIa
Ia IV
IV
1.6 Assess affected limb(s) for elevated foot pressure, structural

deformities, ability to exercise, gait abnormality, and ill-fitting
footwear and offloading devices.
1.7 Document characteristics of foot ulcer(s) after each assessment
including location, classification and any abnormal findings.
LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE
Planning
Implementation
2.0 Determine the potential of the foot ulcer(s) to heal and ensure
interventions to optimize healing have been explored.
IV
2.1 Develop a plan of care incorporating goals mutually agreed upon

by the client and health-care professionals to manage diabetic
foot ulcer(s).
IV
2.2 Collaborate with the client/family and interprofessional team to

explore other treatment options if healing has not occurred at the
expected rate.
IV
2.3 Collaborate with client/family and the interprofessional team to

establish mutually agreed upon goals to improve qualityG of life if
factors affecting poor healing have been addressed and complete
wound closure is unlikely.
IV
3.0 Implement a plan of care to mitigate risk factors that can influence
wound healing.
IV
Ia IV
3.2 Redistribute pressure applied to foot ulcer(s) by the use of

offloading devices.
Ia
3.3 Provide health education to optimize diabetes management, foot

care and ulcer care.
Ia
3.4 Facilitate client-centred learning based on individual needs to

prevent or reduce complications.
III
4.0 Monitor the progress of wound healing on an ongoing basis using

a consistent tool, and evaluate the percentage of wound closure
at 4 weeks.
Ib
4.1 Reassess for additional correctable factors if healing does not occur
at the expected rate.
IV
3.1 Provide wound care consisting of debridement, infection control

and moisture balance where appropriate.
Evaluation
BACKGROUND
LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
BACKGROUND
EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONSG
5.0 Health-care professionals participate in continuing education
opportunities to enhance specific knowledge and skills to
competently assess and manage clients with diabetic foot ulcers,
based on the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline, Assessment
and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.).
IV
5.1 Educational institutions incorporate the RNAO Nursing Best Practice

Guideline, Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People
with Diabetes (2nd ed.), into basic registered nurse, registered
practical nurse, doctor of medicine and interprofessional curricula
to promote a cultureG of evidence-based practice.
IV
ORGANIZATION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONSG
LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE
6.0 Use a systematic approach to implement the Assessment and

Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.)
clinical practice guideline and provide resources and organizational
and administrative supports to facilitate clinician uptake.
IV
6.1 Develop policies that acknowledge and designate human, material

and fiscal resources to support the interprofessional team in diabetic
foot ulcer management.
IV
6.2 Establish and support an interprofessional, inter-agency team

comprised of knowledgeable and interested persons to address
and monitor quality improvement in the management of diabetic
foot ulcers.
IV
6.3 Develop processes to facilitate the referral of clients with diabetic

foot ulcers to local diabetes resources and health-care professionals.
IV
6.4 Advocate for strategies and ongoing funding to assist clients in

obtaining appropriate pressure redistribution devices during and
after ulcer closure.
IV
* Note that no new recommendations were developed as a result of the updated systematic review evidence.
10
LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE
Interpretation of Evidence
BACKGROUND
Levels of Evidence
Ia
Evidence obtained from meta-analysis or systematic reviews of randomized controlled trialsG.
Ib
Evidence obtained from at least one randomized controlled trial.
IIa
Evidence obtained from at least one well-designed controlled study without randomization.
IIb
Evidence obtained from at least one other type of well-designed quasi- experimental study,
without randomization.
III
Evidence obtained from well-designed non-experimental descriptive studies, such as

comparative studies, correlation studies and case studies.
IV
Evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experiences of
respected authorities.
Adapted from Annex B: Key to evidence statements and grades of recommendations, by the
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), 2012, in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developers Handbook.
Available from http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/50/annexb.html
11
BACKGROUND
Panel Members
Laura M. Teague, RN, MN, NP
Christine A. Murphy,
Panel Chair
Nurse Practitioner, St. Michaels Hospital,
Lecturer, University of Toronto, Faculty of Nursing
Adjunct Faculty, Western University
Faculty of Physical Therapy
(Master of Clinical Science, Wound Healing)
Toronto, Ontario
RN, CETN(C), BSc (Hons), MClScWH, PhD (cand).
Karen Bruton, RN, BScN, CETN(C)
Diabetes Educator
Trillium Health Centre Diabetes Centre,
Toronto, Ontario
Professional Practice Leader,

Northumberland Hills Hospital
Cobourg, Ontario
Patricia Coutts, RN
Wound Care Specialist and Clinical Trials Coordinator,
Dermatology Office of Dr. R. Gary Sibbald
Mississauga, Ontario
Laurie Goodman, RN, BA, MHScN

Advanced Practice Nurse/Educator
Toronto Regional Wound Healing Clinic
CoDirector & Course Coordinator IIWCC-CAN
Mississauga, Ontario
Enterostomal Therapist,
The Ottawa Hospital
(Master of Clinical Sciences, Wound Healing)
Ottawa, Ontario
Heather Nesbeth, RN, BSN, CDE
Deirdre OSullivan-Drombolis,
BScPT, MClSc PT (Wound Healing)
Physical Therapist, Wound Resource,

Riverside Health Care Facilities
(Master of Clinical Sciences, Wound Healing)
Adjunct Faculty, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Fort Frances, Ontario
Ruth Thompson, DCh, MCISC-WH

Chiropodist,
The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario
Declarations of interest and confidentiality were made by all members of the guideline development panel.
Further details are available from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
12
RNAO Best Practice Guideline Program Team

Rishma Nazarali, RN, MN
Research Assistant,
Toronto, Ontario
Program Manager,
Toronto, Ontario
Erica DSouza, BSc, GC
Andrea Stubbs, BA
Project Coordinator (June - September 2012),

Toronto, Ontario
Project Coordinator (January - March 2013),

Toronto, Ontario
Kim English, RN, BScN, MN
Sarah Xiao, RN, MSc, BNSc (Hons)
Research Assistant,
Toronto, Ontario
Nursing Research Associate (July 2012 - March 2013),

Toronto, Ontario
Anastasia Harripaul, RN, BScN (Hons)
Rita Wilson, RN, MEd, MN
Nursing Research Associate (February - March 2013),

Toronto, Ontario
eHealth Program Manager

Registered Nurses Assocation of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
Monique Lloyd, RN, PhD
Alice Yang, BBA
Associate Director, Guideline Development,

Research and Evaluation
Toronto, Ontario
Project Coordinator (September - December 2012),

Toronto, Ontario
BACKGROUND
Kateryna Aksenchuk, RN, BScN
13
BACKGROUND
Stakeholder Acknowledgement
StakeholdersG representing diverse perspectives were solicited for their feedback, and the Registered Nurses
Association of Ontario wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their contribution in reviewing this
Nursing Best Practice Guideline.
Afsaneh Alavi, MD, FRCPC
Janet L. Kuhnke,
Womens College Hospital

Toronto, Ontario
RN, BA, BSN, MS, ET, PhD (cand.)
David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD

Professor of Surgery,
Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance
Department of Surgery
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Tucson, Arizona
Mariam Botros, D.CH, CDE, IIWCC

Director of Diabetic Foot Canada
CAWC, Womens College Hospital
Wound Healing Clinic
Toronto, Ontario
Keith Bowering, MD, FRCPC, FACP

Director, Diabetic Foot Complications
Member, Expert Committee, Canadian Diabetes
Association Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2008, 2013,
Foot Care Chapter
Edmonton, Alberta
Faculty/Enterostomal Therapist
St. Lawrence College/Laurentian University BSN
Collaborative Program and
St. Elizabeth Health Care Clinic
Cornwall, Ontario
Ann-Marie McLaren,
DCh, BSc Pod Med, MClSc WH
Chiropodist/Professional Practice Leader

St. Michaels Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
Stephan Mostowy, MD, FRCS(C)

Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Kelowna General Hospital
Kelowna, British Columbia
Lyndsay Orr, BScPT, MClSc (Wound Healing)

Physiotherapist, Wound Care Consultant
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge, Ontario
Tim Brandys, MD, Med, FRCSC, FACS
Cynthia Payne, RD, CDE
Vascular Surgeon, Program Director

The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator

Northumberland Hills Hospital
Cobourg, Ontario
Connie Harris, RN, ET, IIWCC, MSc
Gregory W. Rose, MD, MSc(Epi), FRCPC
Senior Clinical Specialist Wound & Ostomy

Red Cross Care Partners
Waterloo, Ontario
Assistant Professor of Medicine

University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Bruyere
Continuing Care and Queensway Carleton Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario
Jenny St. Jean, BScN, WCC

Wound Care Champion
Bayshore Home Health
Ottawa, Ontario
14
Background Context
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is a serious and complex life-long condition affecting 8.3% of the worlds population and
2.7 million Canadians (Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), 2010; International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), 2011;
Lipscomb & Hux, 2007). The prevalence of diabetes has increased 70% since the 1998 publication of the CDA clinical
practice guidelinesG, and the rate continues to increase across all age groups. Between 1995 and 2005, the prevalence
of diabetes in Ontario increased steadily by an average of 6.2% per year (Lipscomb & Hux, 2007). The rate of diabetes is
increasing the greatest among Aboriginal Canadians, who have a three to five times higher rate of diabetes than the
general population (Doucet & Beatty, 2010). Diabetes seriously burdens individuals, their families and society. With the
increasing prevalence of diabetes in Canada, the annual economic cost attributable to the condition is estimated to
rise from $5.2 billion in 1998 to $16.9 billion by 2020 (Lau, 2010).
There are two major classifications of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus (IDDM), affects 10 to 15% of all people with diabetes and is primarily the result of an inability to
produce insulin due to beta cell destruction in the pancreas. While type 1 diabetes accounts for fewer individuals
with diabetes, it results in a disproportionately higher frequency of diabetes-related complications. Type 2 diabetes,
also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), accounts for 90% of those diagnosed with diabetes
and results from a combination of insufficient insulin production and resistance of the bodys cells to the actions of
insulin (CDA, 2010).
Control of blood glucose levels is paramount to minimizing complications related to diabetes (Diabetes Control and
Complication Trial (DCCT) Research Group, 1993; United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group 33, 1998). This is achieved
through lowering of serum glucose levels using oral hypoglycemic agents, subcutaneous injections of insulin,
dietary restriction and regular exercise. Other factors contributing to delayed onset of complications include control
of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia. Unfortunately, these treatments may not completely control
the progression of diabetes-related changes, such as neuropathy (Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) Clinical Practice Guidelines
(CPG) Expert Committee, 2008).
Diabetic foot ulceration and amputation are a result of complications of diabetes such as peripheral arterial disease
(PAD) and neuropathy (see Figure 1). Worldwide, the number of lower limb amputations has increased as a result
of diabetes. According to the IWGDF, over one million amputations are performed on people with diabetes each year
(2011). PAD, also known as peripheral vascular disease, is a circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce
blood flow to the lower limbs. This can result in poor oxygen circulation and medication delivery thereby impacting
the ability to heal and increasing the risk for ulceration. Neuropathy occurs when the nerves of the peripheral
nervous system are damaged (by diabetes) and can result in loss of sensation, skin changes, deformities and limited
joint mobility of the foot. When combined with other factors, such as inadequate self care, poor glucose control,
improper footwear, obesity and lack of timely resources, these neuropathic changes may lead to foot ulceration.
While the majority of ulcers eventually heal, approximately one third may result in some form of amputation
(IWGDF, 2011). Moreover, there is a possibility of infection occurring in any foot ulcer in a person with diabetes.
Diabetic foot infections require medical attention ranging from minor (e.g., debridement, antibiotics) to major
(resection, amputation) intervention (Lipsky et al, 2012).
15
BACKGROUND
Figure 1: Pathway to Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetes Mellitus
Peripheral
arterial disease
O2 and
medication
delivery
Neuropathy
Sensory loss
of protective
sensation
Autonomic
skin changes
Poor healing
Motor foot
deformity
Ulceration
Infection
Amputation
Autonomic/
Motor limited
joint mobility
Self-care deficit
Poor glucose control
Improper footwear
Obesity
Lack of timely
resources
Note. Adapted with permission from Pathogenesis and general management of foot lesions in the diabetic patient, by M. E. Levin, 2001, in J. H. Bowker &
M. A. Pfeifer (eds.), Levin and ONeals The Diabetic Foot (6th ed.), p. 222. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc. Copyright Elsevier (2001).
Ulcers and amputations result in enormous societal costs, including lost wages, job loss, prolonged hospitalization,
lengthy rehabilitation and an increased need for home care and social services. Given the data on the burden of illness
and the significant long-term health impact, care of persons with diabetic foot ulcers demands a systematic, team
approach from health-care professionals (IWGDF, 2011).
The panel recognizes the complexity of the treatment of persons with diabetic foot ulcers and acknowledges
the realities of practice settings that may influence resources available to identify the highest quality evidence to
direct care.
To this end, the recommendations serve as an evidence-based guide for nurses and other health-care professionals
to identify and assess people in high-risk groups who would benefit from specialized wound care. Interprofessional
health-care teams should work closely with clients and their families to address the complex lifestyle, self care and
multiple treatment demands of people with diabetes diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcer(s). It is acknowledged that
this level of care is not yet fully accessible to or accessed by all people with diabetes. Moreover, few people with foot
ulcerations receive optimal wound management (Boulton, Kirsner, & Vileikyte, 2004). Nurses can facilitate and positively
influence wound healing outcomes by promoting, collaborating and participating in interprofessional health-care
teams that follow best practice guidelines as presented in this document.
16
BACKGROUND
The management of persons with foot ulcers is complex. According to Weir (2010), diabetic foot ulcers should be
regarded a medical emergency. Principles of clinical management of the person with diabetic foot ulcers involve
assessing for: vascular supply (V); infection (I); structural or bony deformities, foot wear and sensation to determine
pressure related issues (P); and, sharp debridement of non-viable tissue (s). These principles are often termed by their
acronym, VIPs (Inlow, Orsted, & Sibbald, 2000).
The Canadian Association of Wound Care Wound Bed Preparation framework is helpful in outlining the key clinical
symptoms and issues related to diabetic foot ulcers and approaches to management utilizing the above principles of
VIPs (Botros et al., 2010). This framework is presented in Figure 2.
Prevention
Strategies
Wound
Etiology
Figure 2: Pathway to the Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcer
Treat the cause

Vascular-infection-pressure
Manage comorbidities
Assess risk based on health status
Patient-centred concerns
Provide individualized patient education
Engage patient and family in care planning
Explore potential barriers to adherence
Infection/inflammation control
Rule out or treat localized/
spreading infection
Evaluation
Strategies
Debridement
Remove necrotic tissue,
if healable
Treat the cause

Vascular-infection-pressure
Explore barriers to adherence
Treatment
Strategies
Treatment
Strategies
Local wound care
Treat
Biological agents and adjunctive therapies
Moisture balance
Provide a moist, interactive
wound environment, if healable
Note. From Best Practice Recommendations for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Update 2010, by M. Botros,
K. Goettl, L. Parsons, S. Menzildzic, C. Morin, T. Smith, et al., 2010, Wound Care Canada 8(4), 6-40.
Reprinted with permission.
17
Practice Recommendations
ASSESSMENT
RECOMMENDATION 1.0:
Obtain a comprehensive health history and perform physical examination of affected limb(s).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Level of Evidence = Ib IV
Discussion of Evidence:
A comprehensive health history is required for all clients who present with diabetic foot ulceration. This health
history must include a history of presenting illness, past medical history, glycemic control, nutritional status,
allergies, medications, family history and psychological well-being.
History of Presenting Illness (Level of Evidence = IV)
Assessment of the person with a diabetic foot ulcer requires a detailed history of the presenting illness, including:

Initiating event;
Duration of ulceration;
Treatments undertaken; and
Outcome of the treatments.
Past Medical History (Level of Evidence = III)
A history of diabetic foot ulcers and several diabetes-related complications are associated with lower limb
amputations. Therefore, a thorough past medical history is important to identify individuals at high risk for
amputation, and it should include: A) An assessment of co-morbidities and complications associated with
diabetes; B) Previous ulcers related to diabetes; and C) A history of smoking.
CAUTION
18
People with diabetic foot ulcers should be identified as high risk for amputation
(Australian Centre for Diabetes Strategies (ACDS), 2001; Falanga & Sabolinski, 2000; IWGDF, 2011).
See Appendix D for risk factors for amputation.
A. Co-morbidities and Complications Associated with Diabetes

There are multiple co-morbidities and complications associated with diabetes (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008).
The following discussion will focus on co-morbidities of renal impairment, hypertension and retinopathy.
Early identification of co-morbidities and complications allows the health-care professional to initiate appropriate
referrals and develop a comprehensive interprofessional plan of care.
Renal Impairment
RECOMMENDATIONS
Renal impairment is a prevalent microvascular complication. Fifty percent of people with diabetes have renal
impairment (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008). In a retrospective observational study, Eggers, Gohdes and Pugh (1999)
identified that amputation rates for people with diabetes and end-stage renal disease increased 10-fold compared to
people with diabetes alone. Furthermore, the post-amputation survival rate for clients with diabetes and end-stage
renal disease was approximately 33% (Eggers et al., 1999).
Hypertension
The majority of people with diabetes will develop hypertension, a treatable risk factor (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008).
Adler and colleagues (2000) identified that elevated blood pressure is strongly linked to macrovascular
(e.g., peripheral vascular disease) and microvascular (e.g., retinopathy and nephropathy) complications. Peripheral
vascular disease places individuals at a significantly increased risk for amputation (Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2002).
Improved control of hypertension results in clinically significant reductions in microvascular and macrovascular
complications and diabetes-related death (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008).
Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy may be the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, affecting 23% of people
with type 1 diabetes and 14% of people with type 2 diabetes (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008). A multi-national study by
Chaturvedi and colleagues (2001) demonstrated that vascular complications, including retinopathy, are a significant
risk factor for amputation in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A descriptive-analytic study by Shojaiefard, Khorgami,
and Larijani (2008) also suggests that the presence of retinopathy increases a clients risk for amputation.
B. Previous Ulcers
A history of previous ulcers is a strong predictor of future ulcers. Up to 34% of people develop another ulcer
within 1 year after healing from the previous ulcer. The 5-year rate of re-ulceration has been shown to be 70%
(Frykberg et al., 2000). While two thirds of ulcers heal, one third may result in some form of amputation (IWGDF, 2011).
C. Smoking
Smoking is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a significant risk factor for chronic kidney
disease for people with diabetes (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN], 2010). It may also be a risk factor for
retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. Smoking cessation reduces these risks and may optimize conditions for wound
healing (SIGN, 2010).
19
Glycemic Control (Level of Evidence = Ib)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improved glycemic control reduces complications and optimizes wound healing (Marston & Dermagraft Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Study Group, 2006). In a cohort study by Moss, Klein and Klein (1996), elevated blood glucose levels were highly
correlated with complications of diabetes. In a randomized controlled trial, pharmacological control of blood
glucose was shown to reduce diabetes-related complications in overweight clients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS, 1998).
Similarly, a study examining glycemic control and microvascular complications in Japanese people with type 2
diabetes concluded that intensive glycemic control may delay onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy,
nephropathy and neuropathy (Ohkubo et al., 1995). Results of a prospective observational study suggested that each
one percent reduction in mean hemoglobin A1cG (HbA1c; a measure of glycemic control) produced significant
decreases in the rate of complications and deaths related to diabetes (Stratton et al., 2000). Furthermore, HbA1c values
in the normal range (<6.0%) comprised the lowest risk of complications (Stratton et al., 2000).
From a wound healing perspective, a secondary analysis of data from a prospective, randomized controlled trial
by Marston and Dermagraft Diabetic Foot Ulcer Study Group (2006) found that people treated with a human
fibroblast-derived dermal substitute had better wound healing rates when A1c levels were controlled or reduced
over a 12-week period. Similarly, in a retrospective cohort study by Markuson et al. (2009), patients with higher
A1c levels did experience wound healing, but over a significantly longer period than those with lower A1c.
The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008) recommends
the following targets for glycemic control for most people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
7.0% to reduce the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications;
Fasting plasma glucose of 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L; and
2-hour postprandial plasma glucose targets of 5.0 to l0.0 mmol/L (5.0 to 8.0 mmol/L if A1c targets not being met).
A1c

Nutritional Status (Level of Evidence = IV)

The overall nutritional health of a person with diabetes will have an effect on wound healing. Macronutrients and
micronutrients play an important role in the different stages of wound healing. A person with diabetes should ensure
adequate intake of calories, protein, fat, fluids, vitamins and minerals to achieve positive outcomes. A nutritional
assessment by a registered dietician is indicated if nutritional deficits are identified.
Allergies (Level of Evidence = IV)
A comprehensive health history should include a record of any allergies. Allergies pertinent to foot ulcers may
consist of medication allergies and sensitivities to dressing adhesives and debridement materials. Being aware of
allergies allows the health-care professional to make appropriate choices with regards to medications for treatment
of infections, wound dressings and solutions used for debridement.
Medications (Level of Evidence = IV)
A record of current medications should be included as part of the health history. Medication records provide healthcare professionals with the necessary information for proper pharmacological diabetes management, such as drug
contraindications, potential drug interactions and identification of medications that may impair wound healing.
20
Family History (Level of Evidence = III)

It is important that people with diabetes are asked about their family health history. Family health history reflects
inherited genetic susceptibility and shared environment, behaviours and habits (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004).
People with a family history for certain diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis) are more likely to
develop those diseases themselves (Bennett, 1999).
Psychological Well Being (Level of Evidence = IV)
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is important to determine the psychological well being of individuals with diabetes as it can impact on their ability
to manage their condition. Clinical depression, anxiety and eating disorders are known factors associated with poor
control of type 1 diabetes (SIGN, 2010). More specifically, depression, affecting approximately 15% of people with
diabetes, is associated with, but not limited to, poor self-care behaviours and decreased quality of life (CDA, 2012; CDA
CPG Expert Committee, 2008; SIGN, 2010). Therefore, health professionals should explore psychological well being as part
of a comprehensive health history as it may impede self-management strategies to prevent and manage diabetic
foot ulcers.
RECOMMENDATION 1.1:
Identify the location and classification of foot ulcer(s) and measure length, width and depth of
wound bed.
Level of Evidence = Ia IV
Identification of Ulcer Location (Level of Evidence = III)
The location of the foot ulcer is important to identify as this information may have an impact on care planning and
the use of appropriate pressure redistribution devices. According to a prospective observational study by Reiber et al.
(1999), the plantar region of the toes, forefoot and midfoot were the most frequent sites of ulceration followed by the
dorsal region of the toes and heels.
Classification (Level of Evidence = 1a)
Diabetic foot ulcer stratification systems are essential tools for predicting a clients risk of developing a foot ulcer
(Monteiro-Soares, Boyko, Rebeiro, Rebeiro, & Dinis-Rebeiro, 2011). In addition, using a stratification system facilitates effective
communication between health-care professionals regarding the clients risk for amputation, and can facilitate data
collection related to disease severity.
21
The following five stratification systems were identified by a systematic review:

1. University of Texas (Armstrong, Lavery, & Harkless, 1998a; Lavery, Armstrong, Vela, Quebedeaux & Fleischli, 1998; see Appendices D, E, F);
2. International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (Diabetic foot ulcer classification system for research purposes; see Appendix G);
3. Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN);
4. American Diabetes Association; and
RECOMMENDATIONS
5. Boyko and colleagues.

(Monteiro-Soares, 2011)
Five core factors to assess for were identified in all scales: diabetic neuropathyG, peripheral vascular disease, foot
deformity, previous foot ulcer and previous amputation (Monteriro-Soares et al., 2011). The authors concluded that while
classification of foot ulcers in itself was important, the best system to use for specific health-care settings could not
be determined (Monteiro-Soares et al., 2011).
Measuring the Length and Width (Level of Evidence = Ia)
Standardizing the procedure for measurement of diabetic foot ulcers is crucial to evaluate whether the wound
is moving towards desired outcomes. Consistent and accurate measurements of length and width aid in reliable
tracking of wound closure progress. Wound measurements should be completed using a consistent method such
as tracings (Krasner & Sibbald, 2001). A systematic review evaluating treatments for diabetic foot ulcers classified wounds
as healing when the wound length and width decreased (Margolis, Kantor, & Berlin, 1999). Furthermore, a prospective trial
conducted by Sheehan, Jones, Caselli, Giurini and Veves (2003) demonstrated that a 50% reduction in wound
surface area (length and width) at 4 weeks is a good predictor of complete wound healing at 12 weeks.
Measuring the Depth (Level of Evidence = IV)
Measuring wound depth should accompany the measurement of wound length and width as together they provide
quantifiable data to accurately determine wound healing. Wound depth is most commonly measured by gently
inserting a sterile swab stick or probe into the wound. The presence of undermining and tunneling can also be
determined in this manner by probing a space between the surrounding skin and wound bed. The RNAO expert
panel recommends using the clock system to document the location of tunneling or undermining (e.g., area of
the tunneling or undermining closest to the head is the 12 oclock position).
22
RECOMMENDATION 1.2:
Assess bed of foot ulcer(s) for exudate, odour, condition of peri-ulcer skin and pain.
Level of Evidence = IV
RECOMMENDATIONS
Exudate (Level of Evidence = IV)

Wound exudate characteristics (e.g., amount and type of drainage) provide important information about the status
of the wound. The RNAO expert panel recommends rating the amount of exudate observed using the following terms:
AMOUNT OF WOUND EXUDATE OBSERVED
RATING OF EXUDATE
Dry
No exudate
Moist
Scant or small
Wet/saturated
Heavy
In addition to amount, the RNAO expert panel recommends describing the type of exudate observed from the ulcer
using common terminology as follows:
EXUDATE OBSERVED
TYPE OF WOUND EXUDATE
Clear yellow fluid without blood, pus or debris
Serous
Thin, watery, pale red to pink fluid
Serosanguinous
Bloody, bright red
Sanguinous
Thick, cloudy, mustard yellow or tan
Purulent
23
Odour (Level of Evidence = IV)

All wounds, especially those treated with moisture retentive dressings, can emit an odour, and it is important to
assess the foot ulcer bed for the characteristics of this odour. A change in odour may be indicative of an alteration
in bacterial balance. A healthy wound has a faint but not unpleasant odour; infections often result in a distinctive
and slightly unpleasant odour (Butalia, Palda, Sargeant, Detsky, & Mourad, 2008; Cutting & Harding, 1994). Necrotic wounds tend
to have more offensive odours than clean wounds. Wounds infected with anaerobes, suggestive of gangrene, tend
to produce a distinct acrid or putrid odour.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Condition of Peri-Ulcer Skin (Level of Evidence = IV)

The condition of the peri-ulcer skin provides important information about the status of the wound and can
influence choice of intervention and treatment. The RNAO expert panel recommends a surrounding skin
assessment that includes an evaluation of:
Skin
colour and temperature: Redness may be indicative of unrelieved pressure or prolonged inflammation
(Boulton, 1991). Pale, white or grey tissue may be indicative of prolonged exposure to moisture. Increased temperature
(erythema) in the ulcer area may also indicate infection in the wound (Sibbald, Goodman, Woo, Krasner, & Smart, 2012).
CallusG formation: Callus formation is indicative of ongoing pressure to the affected area. Debridement of callus
may be indicated to facilitate accurate assessment; and
Induration and edema: Induration (an abnormal firmness of the tissue) and edema (swelling) are indicative of
infection. They are assessed by gently pressing the skin within 4 cm of the wound. Firmness may be observed.
Pain (Level of Evidence = III)
Although pain may be uncommon in diabetic foot disorders, evidence of increasing pain accompanied by wound
breakdown are strong indicators (100% specificityG) of chronic wound infection (Gardner, Frantz, & Doebbeling, 2001). Pain
in a previously insensateG foot may also indicate active charcot arthropathyG (see Appendix H for a description).
Charcot arthropathy can be difficult to distinguish from wound infection or cellulitisG. Left untreated, charcot
arthopathy may lead to serious foot structure damage and injury. X-rays should be done to differentiate an active
charcot foot from infection.
Persons with diabetes may suffer from neuropathic foot pain. This pain is often described as burning and stabbing in
nature, and its presence is generally independent of foot position or movements. Neuropathic pain can be difficult to
manage and requires careful assessment and monitoring.
As demonstrated in Figure 1, diabetic neuropathy increases the risk of foot ulceration and subsequent amputation
(Frykberg, 1991). In the presence of diabetic neuropathy and amputation, clients may suffer from phantom limb pain
in the absent leg. Referral to physiotherapy for pain relieving modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation may be necessary to treat both neuropathic and phantom limb pain (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008).
24
RECOMMENDATION 1.3:
Assess affected limb(s) for vascular supply and facilitate appropriate diagnostic testing,
as indicated.
Level of Evidence = III IV
RECOMMENDATIONS
The assessment of vascular supply can be achieved through a health history, physical examination and diagnostic
testing. The RNAO expert panel recommends the following physical assessment considerations and appropriate
diagnostic tests for vascular supply, outlined in Table 1. See Appendix I for further detail about these specialized
diagnostic tests.
Table 1: Appropriate Assessment and Diagnostic Tests to Determine Vascular Supply
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS*
Intermittent claudicationG (calf pain)
Ankle
Peripheral pulses
Toe
Colour
(pallorG on limb elevation, ruborG

on limb dependency, mottling)
Cool temperature
Ischemic
pain (pain causing frequent waking

at night, or needing to dangle limb for
pain relief)
Dry
brachial pressure index (ABPI)G
pressuresG and toe brachial index
Arterial
duplex scan
Transcutaneous
oxygen
Angiography
(including CT angiogram
and MR angiogram)
gangrene
Hair
loss, dystrophic nails

(damaged or misshaped nail plates)
Shiny,
taut, thin, dry skin
*Accessibility of these diagnostic tests may be limited to centres specializing in vascular surgery and wound care.
25
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease, is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries
resulting in insufficient vascular supply to the lower extremities. PAD can prolong wound healing and increase the
risk of amputation (Apelqvist, 1998; Birke, Patout, & Foto, 2000; Crane & Branch, 1998; Sinacore & Mueller, 2000). The risk of people
with diabetes developing PAD increases as the disease progresses (Calhoun, Overgaard, Stevens, Dowling, & Mader, 2002). This
risk increases 10-fold in those with diabetes and concurrent renal failure (Apelqvist, 1998; Eggers et al., 1999). In the younger
client population, PAD often presents bilaterally. Therefore, adequate blood flow to the affected extremities is
essential to support wound healing (Birke et al., 2000; Reiber et al., 1999). Positive findings should be discussed with a
vascular surgeon in order to determine potential for intervention.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bilateral lower extremity assessment should include, at minimum, the assessment of:

Intermittent claudication;
Peripheral pedal pulses; and
Colour.
Intermittent Claudication (Level of Evidence = III)
One of the first presenting symptoms of vascular insufficiency is intermittent claudication, or calf pain. A history of
intermittent lower limb claudication combined with non-palpable pedal pulses in both feet increases the probability
of vascular insufficiency in clients with diabetes (Boyko et al., 1997).
Peripheral Pedal Pulses (Level of Evidence = IV)
Palpating for the presence of a plantar pulse, such as the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial, is essential during
assessment. The presence of peripheral pulses is represented by a minimum systolic pressure of 80 mmHg and
may suggest adequate vascular supply to support wound healing (Lavery & Gazewood, 2000). The National Evidence
Based Guidelines for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus states that the absence of peripheral pulses
has prognostic significance for future amputation in people with or without foot ulceration (ACDS, 2001).
Some regions of the foot with palpable pulses, however, may not be well-perfused. According to the angiosome
model, the foot is delineated into five angiosomes, each consisting of skin, subcutaneaous tissue, fascia, muscle
and bone, fed by a source artery. The presence of a peripheral pulse may not necessarily indicate that all of the
components within a particular angiosome are well-perfused. Although a foot pulse might be palpable, the foot
ulcer might be situated in a different angiosome (Sibbald et al., 2011). This concept may help the clinician determine
appropriate measures to support successful ischemic ulcer treatment (Attinger, Evans, & Mesbahi, 2006).
Colour (Level of Evidence = IV)
The colour of the foot should be assessed for rubor on dependency, pallor on elevation, mottling and dry gangrene,
all of which are signs of ischemia (Bowker & Pfeifer, 2001). A comprehensive vascular assessment is recommended for
clients with these signs of arterial insufficiency.
26
RECOMMENDATION 1.4:
Assess foot ulcer(s) for infection using clinical assessment techniques, based on signs and
symptoms, and facilitate appropriate diagnostic testing, if indicated.
Level of Evidence = Ia
RECOMMENDATIONS
The diagnosis of foot ulcer infection is based on a clinical examination (IWGDF, 2011). Infection is a destructive process
that occurs when bacteria in a wound overcomes the natural defenses of the hosts immune system. The likelihood
of a wound becoming infected is related to the type of micro-organism and the microbial load. However, equally
important factors to consider are the characteristics of the wound (location, classification, length, width and depth),
level of blood perfusion and ability of the host to resist infection.
While emphasis is frequently placed on microbial load, the hosts resistance is often the critical factor in determining
whether infection will develop. Diabetes increases susceptibility to infection. People with diabetes may not be able to
mount an effective inflammatory response due to impaired immunodefenses, decreased peripheral circulation and
decreased metabolic control (Armstrong, Lavery, Sariaya, & Ashry, 1996; Eneroth, Apelqvist, & Stenstrom, 1997). Increased occurrence of
co-morbidities may place older people with diabetes at higher risk for infection than younger people with the disease
as the severity of the infection may be masked by the co-morbidities. Use of an assessment tool, such as the Diabetic
Foot Infection (DFI) scoring system, validated by Lipsky, Polis, Lantz, Norquist and Abramson (2009), may aid in
predicting foot ulcer healing outcomes.
The microbial load in a wound advances over time in a predictable fashion (see Table 2). Most chronic wounds
contain more than three species of micro-organisms, increasing the risk for infection as these organisms may develop
synergies. In wounds that are infected with a number of species, distinguishing the causative organism is unlikely
(Dow, Brown, & Sibbald, 1999). Correct wound swabbingG technique should be followed when collecting a culture swab to
ensure accurate measure of wound microbial load. See Appendix J for wound swabbing technique.
27
RECOMMENDATIONS
Table 2: Microbial Load and Associated Findings.

CLINICAL AND
LABORATORY FINDINGS
TIME
TYPE OF MICRO-ORGANISM
First few days
Cutaneous flora
1 to 4 weeks
Cutaneous flora accompanied

by Gram-positive aerobic
cocci, often beta-haemolytic
Streptococci, S. aureus
Purulent discharge
Gram-positive
Single species
Cutaneous flora accompanied

by Gram-negative facultative
anaerobic bacteria,
particularly coliforms,
followed by anaerobic
bacteria and Pseudomonas
Tissue necrosis
Undermining
Deep involvement
4 weeks onwards

Poly-microbial
mixture
of aerobic and anaerobic
pathogens
Note. From Infection in chronic wounds: Controversies in diagnosis and treatment, by G. Dow, A. Brown and R.G. Sibbald, 1999, Ostomy Wound
Management, 45(8), p. 23-40. Reprinted with permission.
The RNAO expert panel recommends using clinical assessment with diagnostic testing in the assessment of foot
ulcer infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Infection
The presence of infection should be assessed based on the presentation of two or more of the following signs and
symptoms of inflammation or purulence (Lipsky et al., 2012):
Erythema;
Warmth;
Tenderness;
Pain;
Induration; and
Purulent
exudates.
The signs and symptoms of non-limb-threatening or superficial infection, and limb-threatening or deep wound
and systemic infectionG are summarized in Table 3.
28
Table 3: Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Infection.

NON-LIMB-THREATENING
INFECTION
LIMB-THREATENING INFECTION
SUPERFICIAL INFECTION
DEEP WOUND INFECTION
SYSTEMIC INFECTION
Pain
Swelling, induration
In addition to deep wound

infection:
Erythema (> 2 cm)
Wound breakdown
Non-healing

Bright
red granulation

Friable
and exuberant
granulation

New
areas of breakdown
or necrosis

Increased
exudates

Bridging
of soft tissue
and the epithelium
Foul odour

Fever

Rigour

Chills

Increased
size or
satellite areas

Undermining

Probing
RECOMMENDATIONS
tissue

Hypotension
or tunneling

Multi-organ
failure
to bone

Anorexia

Flu-like

Erratic
symptoms
glucose control
(Falanga, 2000; Gardner et al., 2001; Lipsky et al., 2012; Schultz et al., 2003; Sibbald, Orsted, Schultz, Coutts, & Keast, 2003; Sibbald et al., 2000)
Identifying infection in a chronic wound can be a challenge as the clinical assessment for infection in chronic wounds
differs from acute wounds. Gardner, Hillis and Frantz (2009) identified the following signs and symptoms of soft
tissue infection in a cross-sectional study of 64 subjects with diabetic foot ulcers:
Increased
pain;
Wound breakdown;
Friable granulation tissueG; and
Foul odour.
Deep foot infections have been identified as the immediate cause of 25 to 51% of amputations in persons with
diabetes (Tennvall, Apelqvist, & Eneroth, 2000). Deep infections often present with erythema and warmth extending two
centimeters or more beyond the wound margin (Woo & Sibbald, 2009). This increased inflammatory response may be
painful and cause the wound to increase in size or lead to satellite areas of tissue breakdown, known as adjacent
ulceration (Woo & Sibbald, 2009).
29
RECOMMENDATIONS
Deep infections, especially in chronic ulcers, can often lead to osteomyelitis, or bone infection, in the diabetic
foot (Lipsky et al., 2012). Probing to bone is a simple technique for rapid identification of osteomyelitis and should be
included in the initial assessment of all people with infected pedal ulcers (Grayson, Balaugh, Levin, & Karchmer, 1995). Other
methods to diagnose the presence of osteomyelitis in clients with foot ulcers include laboratory and radiographic
testing. A systematic review by Butalia et al. (2008) assessed evidence related to using historical features, physical
examination and laboratory and basic radiographic testing in the diagnosis of lower extremity osteomyelitis in
people with diabetes. The study concluded that, on physical examination, predictors of osteomyelitis included
an ulcer area greater than 2cm2 and a positive probe-to-bone test. Through laboratory testing, an erthrocyte
sedimentation rate of more than 70 mm/h was also indicative of osteomyelitis (Butalia et al., 2008).
CAUTION
Signs of deep wound and systemic signs of infection are potentially limb and/or life
threatening. These clinical signs and symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Diagnostic Testing of Infection

The timely diagnosis and treatment of infection is vital to the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Diagnostic tests may
be performed in conjunction with the clinical assessment when infection is suspected.
Lipsky et al. (2012) recommend that persons with new diabetic foot infections have plain radiographs to identify
bony abnormalities such as bone deformity or destruction, foreign bodies or soft tissue gas. An abnormal plain
radiograph finding can be helpful in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis (Butalia et al., 2008).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for clients who require additional imaging, especially if soft
tissue abscessG or osteomyelitis is suspected (Lipsky et al., 2012). In a meta-analysis conducted by Dinh, Abad and Safdar
(2008), MRI was determined to be the most accurate imaging test for diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Furthermore,
osteomyelitis was found to be highly unlikely in a client with a normal MRI result (Butalia et al., 2008). If MRI is
unavailable or contraindicated, a labeled white blood cell scan is the best alternative (Lipsky et al., 2012). It is important
to note that accessibility to and interpretation of these tests may be limited to specific geographic locations and
medical specialists.
30
RECOMMENDATION 1.5:
Assess affected limb(s) for sensory, autonomic and motor changes.
Level of Evidence = IIa
RECOMMENDATIONS
The presence of peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, is determined by assessing for specific changes in sensory,
autonomic and motor function. Identifying peripheral neuropathy is particularly important, as it will enable the
health-care professional to identify associated potential risk factors for ulcer development. In a case-controlled
study, Lavery et al. (1998) noted that clients with peripheral neuropathy and no other risk factors were 1.7 times
more likely to develop foot ulceration. Table 4 illustrates the associated pathophysiological involvement, assessment
considerations, and clinical indications specific to each of the three components of peripheral neuropathy.
Table 4: Components of Peripheral Neuropathy, Associated Pathophysiological Involvement,
Assessment Considerations and Clinical Indications.
COMPONENT
ASSOCIATED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL
INVOLVEMENT
ASSESSMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
CLINICAL
INDICATIONS
Sensory
Myelin
Pressure
Loss
sheath
is disrupted by
hyperglycemia
Disruption
leads
to the segmental
demyelinization
process accompanied
by a slowing of motor
nerve conduction and
an impairment of
sensory perception
perception
testing using
a 10-gr* (5.07
Semmes-Weinstein)
monofilament,
is recommended
Vibration
perception
(using a tuning fork)
Tactile
sensation
(using a cotton ball)
of protective
sensation
Sensory
ataxiaG
Falls
(15-fold
increase compared
to those without
diabetes)
Callus
31
COMPONENT
ASSOCIATED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL
INVOLVEMENT
ASSESSMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
CLINICAL
INDICATIONS
Autonomic
Sympathetic Denervation
Inspect for:
AnhydrosisG
Loss
Dry
Callus
of vasomotor
control
RECOMMENDATIONS
Peripheral
blood flow
Arteriovenous
shunting
Bone
blood flow
hyperemia
Glycosylation
of
collagen
Motor
Non-enzymatic
glycosylation
Atrophy
of intrinsic
muscles of the foot
(toe plantar flexors)
Subluxation
of
metatarsophalangeal
joints
scaly skin caused

by lack of hydration
Inspect
between
the toes especially
between the fourth
and fifth toes for
fissuresG
Maceration
Loss
of hair growth
and thickened
toenails
Fissure
OnychomycosisG
(fungal nails)
Peripheral
skin (sign
of altered joint
mobility)
Callus
Gait
Claw
Range
of motion
Muscle
Absent
testing
deep tendon
reflexes
edema
Waxy
Inspect for:
assessment
cracks
toesG
Hammer
Charcot
Muscle
Ankle
toesG
arthropathy
weakness
equinus
Pes
cavusG
Pes
planusG
Contracture
of
Achilles Tendon
*Using 10 or 4 points on the foot is acceptable.

(CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008; IWGDF, 2011; RNAO, 2007; Zangaro & Hull, 1999)
Appendix K provides a more detailed description of the monofilament assessment technique for sensory perception
in the foot.
32
RECOMMENDATION 1.6:
Assess affected limb(s) for elevated foot pressure, structural deformities, ability to exercise,
gait abnormality, and ill-fitting footwear and offloading devices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Foot ulcers frequently occur as a result of repeated minor trauma, such as from ill-fitting footwear or elevated
pressure on the sole of the foot. People with foot ulcers should be assessed regularly for potential causes of such
trauma and be provided with interventions to reduce trauma and ulcer risk (IWGDF, 2011; Jeffcoate & Rayman, 2011;
Rizzo et al., 2012; Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2002).
Elevated Foot Pressure (Level of Evidence = IIb)
Elevated plantar pressure is a significant risk factor for foot complications (Lavery, Armstrong, Wunderlich, Tredwell, & Boulton,
2003). The plantar surface of the forefoot is the most common location for foot ulcer development (CDA CPG Expert
Committee, 2008; IWGDF, 2011). People with severe neuropathy may exhibit increased forefoot-to-rearfoot plantar pressure
ratios, suggesting an imbalance in pressure distribution, which may predispose them to foot ulceration.
Pressure mapping is a technique that measures foot pressures in standing and walking positions. A cohort study by
Giacomozzi and Martelli (2006) found that screening a persons peak pressure curve may be an effective method to
detect risk of foot ulceration in diabetic clients. Similarly, using an F-Scan matG system, Pham et al. (2000) found
that foot pressures greater than 6 kg/cm placed people at an increased risk for foot ulceration. Lavery et al. (1998)
also identified a significant association between high plantar pressure (65 N/cm2) and presence of foot ulceration.
Pressure over bony prominences can lead to callus formation and predispose the skin to break down (ACDS, 2001;
Boyko et al., 1999; Frykberg et al., 1998; Hutchinson et al., 2000). Calluses may act as a foreign body, elevating plantar pressures;
therefore, callus removal or reduction often results in a significant reduction in foot pressure (Boulton, Meneses, & Ennis,
1999; Murray, Young, Hollis, & Boulton, 1996; Pataky et al., 2002; Young et al., 1992).
It is also important to ensure that dressings and offloading devices are used effectively, and that they are not
contributing to increased pressure either around the ulcer or on other parts of the foot and leg.
Structural Deformities (Level of Evidence = III)
Physical examination of a person with diabetes should include an assessment for foot deformities (IWGDF, 2011;
Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2002). Foot deformities include hammer toe, claw toe, hallux deformityG, pes planus, pes
cavus and charcot arthropathy. These structural foot deformities alter the gait or mechanics of walking, and
can result in abnormal forces on the foot, poor shock absorption, and shearing and stress to soft tissues
(RNAO, 2007; Shaw & Boulton, 1997). Furthermore, the risk for elevated plantar pressure is directly associated with
the number of foot deformities (Lavery et al., 2003).
See Appendix H for descriptions of each type of foot deformity.
CAUTION
Any deformity of the foot should be referred to a specialist (podiatrist/chiropodist)

for further evaluation.
33
Ability to Exercise (Level of Evidence = IV)

Exercise may help people with diabetes to achieve a variety of health goals, including improved glycemic control
(CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008; SIGN, 2010). Limited joint mobility as a result of peri-articular limitations (e.g., muscle,
tendon, joint capsule, ligament and skin) can be effectively treated with exercise-based interventions, including
stretching and strength training (Allet et al., 2010).
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is important to note that people with diabetes-associated complications, including ulceration, should be carefully
assessed and supervised when undertaking an exercise program. Referral to an exercise specialist, such as a physical
therapist, may be indicated to address health and safety concerns.
Gait Abnormality (Level of Evidence = III)
Gait is the manner or style of walking. Neurodegenerative processes are accelerated in diabetes, often resulting in
abnormal weight bearing, unstable posture and a decline in motor control (Mason et al., 1999b; Meier, Desrosiers, Bourassa,
& Blaszczyk, 2001). Alterations in gait, balance and mobility in a client may also be caused by sensory ataxia, poor
vision, debilitation and/or neuropathy secondary to the diabetes disease process (Sinacore & Mueller, 2000).
Assessment of gait is important in order to establish a persons risk of falling and injury. Sinacore and Mueller (2000)
found that the risk of falling was 15 times greater in people with diabetic neuropathy than in people with diabetes
without neuropathy. Abnormal gait patterns that may be observed in a person with diabetes include: ataxic (unsteady,
uncoordinated, employing a wide base of support), steppage (lifting the foot higher to accommodate for foot drop
and/or poor ankle-joint mobility) and antalgic (limping, usually signifying discomfort).
Referral to a physical therapist may be indicated if gait abnormalities are noted.
Ill-fitting Footwear and Offloading Devices (Level of Evidence = Ia)
Clients should be assessed for knowledge and understanding of the importance of proper footwear and offloading
device use to reduce plantar pressures. Education regarding proper fit and use of footwear and devices should be
provided if knowledge gaps or learning needs are identified.
Footwear
In a large prospective study, Abbott and colleagues (2002) found that 55% of ulcerations assessed were attributed
to pressure from footwear. Foot ulceration has been associated with constant or repetitive pressure from tight shoes
over bony prominences on the dorsum of the lesser toes, at the medial aspect of the first metatarsal headG and the
lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal (Lavery et al., 1998).
34
It is imperative that people with diabetic foot ulcers see a foot- or health-care specialist regularly for the assessment of
their feet, footwear and other devices associated with ambulation (American Diabetes Association (ADA), 2001; Campbell et al., 2000;
CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008; Frykberg et al., 2000; Hunt, 2001; Hutchinson et al., 2000; Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI), 2000;
Lavery & Gazewood, 2000; Maciejewski et al., 2004; McCabe, Stevenson & Dolan, 1998; New Zealand Guidelines Group (NZGG), 2000; Rizzo et al., 2012;
Smieja et al., 1999; Zangaro & Hull, 1999).
See Appendix L for suggestions in assessing and selecting shoes and socks.
Offloading Devices
RECOMMENDATIONS
Offloading devices, such as foot orthoses, aid in reducing plantar pressure in the diabetic foot. Foot orthoses are
custom-made shoe inserts that serve to correct or relieve misalignment and/or pressure areas of the foot. A systematic
review by Spencer (2004) found that in-shoe custom orthoses were effective at relieving foot pressure and resolving
calluses in people with diabetes.
See Appendix M for selection of offloading devices.
RECOMMENDATION 1.7:
Document characteristics of foot ulcer(s) after each assessment including location, classification
and any abnormal findings.
Documentation is used to monitor a clients progress and communicate with other health-care providers (College of
Nurses of Ontario (CNO), 2009a). Good record-keeping using common language and objective descriptors such as wound
measurements and ulcer grading can increase clarity and improve outcomes. Careful monitoring of wound healing
through consistent and thorough documentation is as important as initial assessment and treatment in influencing
healing outcomes (Krasner, 1998).
The RNAO expert panel recommends using an interprofessional assessment tool to document assessment results.
See Appendix N for an example of an assessment tool that may be used by an interprofessional team.
35
PLANNING
RECOMMENDATION 2.0:
Determine the potential of the foot ulcer(s) to heal and ensure interventions to optimize
healing have been explored.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The healing potential of a wound must be taken into consideration when developing a plan of care. Factors affecting
the healing potential of a diabetic foot ulcer may be grouped into three categories: local, host and environment. The
RNAO expert panel has summarized these factors in Table 5: Factors Affecting Healing Potential. Implementing
interventions addressing these factors should optimize the healing conditions of the foot ulcer.
Table 5: Factors Affecting Healing Potential
LOCAL
HOST
ENVIRONMENT
Necrosis
Co-morbidities:
Access
Infection
End-stage renal disease

Immunosuppression
Inflammatory condition
Visual impairments
Glycemic control
Nutrition
Peripheral arterial disease
Venous insufficiency
Lymphedema
Coronary artery disease
Obesity
Systemic cytotoxic drugs
Smoking
Alcohol and substance use
Adherence to plan of care
Cultural/personal beliefs
Mental illness
(schizophrenia, depression)
Cognitive impairment
Low socioeconomic status
Concordance to plan of care
Pressure
injury
on the ulcer area
Micro-vascular supply
Foreign body
Iatrogenic/cytotoxic agents
Local trauma to ulcer area
(Falanga, 2005; Jeffcoate et al., 2008; Pecoraro, Reiber, & Burgess, 1990)
36
to care
Access to appropriate
offloading
Family support
Health-care sector
Geographic surroundings
Socioeconomic status
Moist wound care is not recommended in wounds where complete healing is not the goal.
Use a dry dressing to keep the wound bed dry.
CAUTION
If infection is present and the client cannot fight infection, the moist wound will become a
breeding ground for infection. Using a topical, cost-effective antisepticG such as povidone
iodine should be considered when the risk of infection outweighs the healing potential.
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION 2.1:
Develop a plan of care incorporating goals mutually agreed upon by the client and health-care
professionals to manage diabetic foot ulcer(s).
Proper goal-setting enables the team to closely monitor the effectiveness of interventions, continuing those that
are successful and discontinuing those that are unsuccessful.
Ideally, the primary goal in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is to obtain wound closure as expeditiously as
possible. The resolution of foot ulcers and decreasing the rate of re-occurrence can lower the probability of lower
extremity amputation for clients with diabetes. However, it should not be expected that all diabetic foot ulcers will
have wound closure as a primary outcome. Wounds that are unlikely to heal should have alternative goals such as:
Wound
stabilization;
pain;
Reduced bacterial load; and
Decreased dressing changes.
Reduced
Beyond tracking progress, goals can also motivate the client, ensure the team is working toward a common end and
ensure important actions are not overlooked. Frequent re-evaluation of goals and the overall plan of care is essential
as the circumstances affecting wound care may change (Sibbald et al., 2011).
The plan of care should be developed by the client and the interprofessional team, based on client-centred care
approaches (RNAO, 2006a; Sibbald et al., 2011). Client-centred care involves collaborative care-planning and an
interprofessional team approach to assessing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating care with
the client taking a key role (Hayes, 2009). The plan of care for all clients with diabetic foot ulcers should include
improving function and quality of life, maintaining health status and controlling costs (Hayes, 2009). The plan of
care should also include strategies to prevent deconditioning, which has many detrimental side effects, including
psychosocial dysfunction (Hayes, 2009).
In a client-centred model of care, diabetic foot ulcers are managed through a holistic approach where interprofessional
team members synchronize activities to ensure the client receives the appropriate treatment from experts of each
discipline (Schoen, Balchin & Thompson, 2010). Team members should advocate, collaborate and facilitate the process of
goal-directed care to manage foot ulcers for people with diabetes. Fragmentation of care may lead to conflicting advice
for the client, wasted time and unnecessary effort, and subsequent protracted wound healing.
37
RECOMMENDATION 2.2:
Collaborate with the client/family and interprofessional team to explore other treatment
options if healing has not occurred at the expected rate.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Diabetic foot ulcers that have not healed at the expected rate, where potential causative factors have been addressed,
may require the use of alternative treatment modalities, such as biological agents, adjunctive therapies or surgery.
See Appendix O for specific treatment options. These treatment methods often involve the cooperation and
coordination of various members of the interprofessional team. Nurses should collaborate with the client
and interprofessional team to explore treatment options, determine the best course of action for treatment
and implement a revised plan of care.
RECOMMENDATION 2.3:
Collaborate with client/family and the interprofessional team to establish mutually agreed
upon goals to improve quality of life if factors affecting poor healing have been addressed
and complete wound closure is unlikely.
The RNAO expert panel has summarized various factors that can contribute to poor healing of chronic wounds:

Inadequate blood supply;

Poor glycemic control;
Non-adherence with treatment plan due
to differing goals regarding the plan of care;
End-stage renal disease;
Transplant recipients;
MalnutritionG;
Connective tissue disorders;

Systemic conditions, such as sickle cell disease;
Osteomyelitis;
Immobility;
Heart disease;
Dementia;
Cancer; and
Advancing age.
If factors affecting poor healing of chronic wounds have been addressed and complete wound closure is unlikely, the
client and the health-care team should mutually agree upon a plan of care to improve the quality of life for the client
(Enoch & Price, 2004). To improve quality of life, the significance of managing exudate, controlling infection, relieving pain
and minimizing odour in a non-healing wound must be established and accepted as legitimate goals by the client and
the health-care team (Enoch & Price, 2004).
Major or minor amputation may be the most reasonable intervention for clients with complex or life-threatening
situations. However, amputation should be a mutual decision between the client and the health-care team.
38
IMPLEMENTATION
RECOMMENDATION 3.0:
Implement a plan of care to mitigate risk factors that can influence wound healing.
RECOMMENDATIONS
People with diabetes often have a combination of risk factors that may influence the condition of their skin and
wounds. Based on a review of the literature, the RNAO expert panel identified risk factors that may affect wound
healing. See Table 5 for a summary of these risk factors.
RECOMMENDATION 3.1:
Provide wound care consisting of debridement, infection control and moisture balance
where appropriate.
Local wound care is a significant component of the pathway to prevent and manage diabetic foot ulcers
(refer to Figure 2). Wounds have the greatest potential for healing with care that includes:
1. Debridement;
2. Infection control; and
3. Moisture balance.
39
CAUTION
If healing potential is not established, aggressive debridement and moist interactive

healing is not recommended.
Debridement (Level of Evidence = Ia)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Debridement is the process of removing necrotic or foreign tissue from a wound to promote healing. Studies have
shown that debridement of diabetic foot ulcers increases the rate of healing (Edwards & Stapley, 2010; Inlow et al., 2000;
Rodeheaver, 2001). In an extensive review of clinical evidence to determine the utility of debridement, Cardinal et al.
(2009) found that frequent or serial debridement of diabetic foot ulcers promoted wound healing and increased
wound closure rates. Moreover, Steed, Donohoe, Webster and Lindsley (1996) found that lower rates of healing
were correlated with less frequent debridement practices. Frequency of debridement should be based on clinical
judgment and correspond to the clients care plan (Inlow et al., 2000). See Appendix P for a decision-making algorithm
for debridement.
Several methods of debridement are available for varying stages of ulcers. The clinical use of enzymatic and biologic
methods of debridement was not included as part of the literature base used for this BPG. This guideline will focus
on the three most common methods of debridement for diabetic foot ulcers:
Autolytic;
Mechanical; and
Surgical/Sharp.
Autolytic
Autolytic debridement uses the bodys own natural enzymes to break down and digest necrotic tissue. Autolytic
debridement also involves the use of moisture in semi-occlusive or occlusive dressings to aid in the efficiency of
liquefying devitalized tissue. Dressings for autolytic debridement include hydrocolloids, hydrogels and films
(Inlow et al., 2000). In a Cochrane review to determine the effectiveness of debridement methods for diabetic foot
ulcers, Edwards and Stapely (2010) found that hydrogels were significantly more effective than gauze dressings
or standard care in healing diabetic foot ulcers.
Mechanical
Mechanical debridement involves manually removing necrotic tissue and debris from a wound bed, using wet-to-dry
dressings, saline irrigation or pulsed lavage. Mechanical debridement may be indicated in wounds with moderate
levels of necrotic tissue (Enoch & Harding, 2003).
Surgical/Sharp
Surgical or sharp debridementG involves the use of a medical instrument such as a scalpel to excise necrotic
tissue. Surgical debridement is often performed in wounds with large volumes of necrotic and infected tissue.
In a prospective trial, sharp debridement was associated with greater wound closure in people with diabetic
foot ulcers (Saap & Falanga, 2002).
40
It should be noted, however, that clinical trials on surgical debridement are inadequately powered. More research
is needed to evaluate the methods and effects of all types of debridement (Edwards & Stapley, 2010; Shannon et al., 2010).
Sharp debridement is a high-risk procedure and should be undertaken with caution.
It is a procedure that must only be performed by trained and experienced health-care
professionals, within the policies of the organization.
CAUTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Performing a procedure below the dermis is a controlled act that must be carried out
by an authorized health-care professional. Health-care professionals should be aware
of their professional scope of practice as well as the policies and procedures within
their organization.
Callus Reduction
In addition to wound debridement, callus debridement may also assist in the prevention and management of foot
ulcers. Reducing a callus often involves surgical or sharp debridement, and has been demonstrated to significantly
reduce pressure at the callus site by approximately 30% (Armstrong, Lavery, Vazquez, Nixon, & Boulton, 2002; Pitei, Foster & Edmonds,
1999; Young et al., 1992). Callus debridement is within the scope of practice for certain health-care professionals, and
may be performed by those with the appropriate knowledge, skills and judgment about the procedure.
Infection Control (Level of Evidence = III)
Preventing or controlling infection in diabetic foot ulcers is essential to prevent complications such as osteomyelitis
(bone infection) or amputation. Infection often results when the number of bacterial organisms exceeds the capacity
of local tissue defenses (Peacock & Van Winkle, 1976). Polymicrobial infection should be anticipated in people with diabetic
foot ulcers, with a variety of grampositive cocci, gram-negative rods and anaerobic organisms predominating.
AntibioticG therapy typically involves broad-spectrum coverage for these organisms and should be initiated based
on properly acquired wound cultures (Anti-infective Review Panel, 2010; Lipsky et al., 2012). Appendix J provides details of
proper swabbing for wound cultures. Table 6 illustrates treatment options recommended by the RNAO expert
panel for superficial infection, deep wound infection and systemic infection.
Once wound culture results are obtained, antimicrobialG therapy may be tailored to provide specific coverage or
therapy against resistant organisms. Antibiotic-resistant organisms, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)G, are an increasing issue with infections in diabetic foot ulcers (Lipsky et al., 2012). Specifically, the
prevalence of MRSA in diabetic foot ulcers ranges from 5 to 30% (Lipsky et al., 2012). Infections involving antibioticresistant organisms require targeted antibiotic therapy. If infection persists while the client is on antibiotic therapy,
surgical assessment and wound culture should be considered.
Moreover, methods to enhance the clients immunity to infections should be considered, which may involve
examining co-morbidities, glycemic control, nutritional needs and sleep-wake cycles.
41
Table 6: Treatment Options for Wound Infections Recommended by the RNAO Expert Panel
NON-LIMB-THREATENING
INFECTIONS
Superficial infection
Deep wound infection
Systemic infection
HOSPITALIZATION:
IN ADDITION TO
SUPERFICIAL INFECTION:
IN ADDITION TO DEEP
WOUND INFECTION:
HOSPITALIZATION:
HOSPITALIZATION:
Consider
Will
May
not be required;
support host defenses
RECOMMENDATIONS
LIMB-THREATENING INFECTIONS
Team
approach
Re-evaluate
based on
clinical findings
Facilitate
client education
admission to
hospital (based on host risk)
Consider
Infectious Disease
consultation
INFECTION:
Will
require IV antibiotics
WOUND CARE:
WOUND CARE:
PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION:
Cleanse
May
Provide
and debride wound
require surgical
debridement
INFECTION:
Use
topical antimicrobials
(may be monomicrobial)
May
require
oral/IV antibiotics
Provide
42
require hospitalization
offloading devices
INFECTION:
Will
require
oral/IV antibiotics
(may be polymicrobial)
Provide
offloading
device for non-weight
bearing status
offloading device
for complete non-weight
bearing on affected limb
Non-limb-threatening Infections
A non-limb-threatening infection is a superficial infection that can result from scratches, nail trauma, or heel fissures.
These mild-to-moderate infections may be managed on an outpatient basis with close supervision by the health-care
professional. Topical antimicrobial medicine may be used to reduce bacterial burden in superficial infections. See
Appendix Q for a list of Topical Antimicrobial Agents.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There is, however, mixed evidence on the use of antimicrobial agents, specifically, when used with silver-based
dressings. In a systematic review of 26 trials comparing silver-containing dressings, creams compared to dressings
and creams that did not contain silver, Storm-Versloot, Vos, Ubbink and Vermeulen (2010) concluded that there
was insufficient evidence to establish whether silver-containing dressings or topical agents promoted wound healing
or prevented wound infections. More research is required, specifically related to diabetic foot ulcers.
If topical antimicrobial agents are used, and increased superficial bacterial burden or delayed healing are noted,
treatment should be supplemented with debridement and moisture balance. If deep infection is present, or if the
wound fails to heal within 2 weeks of topical antimicrobials, systemic antibiotic therapy should be considered.
Systemic antibiotic medication may be prescribed by the appropriate health-care professional according to the
Anti-Infective Guidelines for Community-acquired Infections (Anti-infective Review Panel, 2010).
Limb-Threatening Infections
Inappropriately managed infections in diabetic foot ulcers can lead to life- or limb-threatening consequences.
These infections may present with cellulitis extending greater than 2 cm beyond the wound border and cardinal
signs of infection, such as fever, edema, lymphangitis, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis and/or ischemia (Frykberg et al., 2000).
A diabetic foot ulcer presenting with wet gangrene, deep abscesses and advancing cellulitis must be transferred to
a medical facility for urgent care.
Hospitalization is required to treat the deep infection and associated systemic effects. Limb-threatening infections
require immediate surgical attention, which should not be delayed while waiting for radiologic or medical workup
of other co-morbid conditions (Frykberg et al., 2000; Weir, 2010). Although many wound care procedures can be done at
the bedside for people with diabetic foot ulcers, limb-threatening infections will require thorough debridement in
the operating room (Frykberg et al., 2000). Individuals presenting with limb-threatening infections should be considered
for emergent incision, drainage and debridement procedures.
Osteomyelitis
An ulcer that probes to the bone or joint is indicative of osteomyelitis and may require a bone biopsy for microbiological
and histopathological evaluation (Frykberg et al., 2000; Grayson et al., 1995). If the affected bone is resected or amputated, the
infection may be treated as a soft-tissue infection. If residual bone is in the wound, however, the client will require
4 to 8 weeks of antibiotic therapy, based on wound culture results (Frykberg et al., 2000; IWGDF, 2011). Intravenous or oral
agents may also be used, depending on the microbial isolates and infection severity.
43
Moisture Balance (Level of Evidence = III)

The type of dressing selected for the foot ulcer should promote a moist wound environment that minimizes trauma
and risk of infection. Specifically, dressing selection should be based on its ability to provide local moisture balance
for the wound to heal. Modern, moisture-promoting dressings used for diabetic foot ulcers include foams (high
absorbency), calcium alginates (absorbent, hemostasis), hydrogels (moisture balance), hydrocolloids (occlusion) and
adhesive membranes (protection) (Inlow et al., 2000). Consideration should be given to the following when choosing
a moist wound dressing for a diabetic foot ulcer (Sibbald et al., 2000):
the wound bed for bacterial balance, exudate level and the need for debridement;
a dressing or combination of dressings that can manage and/or control the environment above the wound;
Use a dressing that will keep the wound bed continuously moist and the peri-wound skin dry;
Choose a dressing that controls exudate but does not dry the ulcer bed;
Consider the amount of professional caregiver time needed to apply and change dressing(s);
Eliminate wound dead space by loosely filling all cavities with dressing material;
Ensure that the dressing does not become a source of increased pressure to the affected area;
Confirm that the person with a diabetic foot ulcer is aware of the need to reduce pressure to the affected area; and
Evaluate the wound as prescribed to determine effectiveness of the treatment plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Assess
Select
CAUTION
Application of moisture retentive dressings in the presence of ischemia and/or dry

gangrene can result in a serious limb-threatening infection. In the presence of ischemia
and/or dry gangrene, apply a drying antimicrobial, such as povidone iodine, a protective
dry dressing and ensure proper off-loading.
There is mixed comparative evidence on the effectiveness of any particular dressing type to heal diabetic foot ulcers
(Hinchcliffe et al. 2008). For a list of common products and more information on their use, see Appendix R.
RECOMMENDATION 3.2:
Redistribute pressure applied to foot ulcer(s) by the use of offloading devices.
Ninety-four percent of diabetic foot ulcers occur at areas of increased pressure (Fleischli, Lavery, Vela, Ashry, & Lavery, 1997).
Calluses from repeated friction and contact due to increased plantar pressures can predispose the skin to ulceration.
Thus, pressure alleviation is integral to prevent the formation of calluses and to promote ulcer wound healing.
Pressure alleviation can be accomplished by redistributing pressure over a larger surface area through the application
of external pressure offloading devices. A health-care professional skilled in the fabrication and modification of
offloading devices, such as a chiropodist or podiatrist, should be consulted when providing pressure redistribution.
See Appendix M for a list of offloading devices and selection considerations.
44
Various effective footwear and offloading devices are available that redistribute foot pressures. A systematic review
by Bus et al. (2008) evaluating the effectiveness of footwear and offloading interventions in preventing or healing
foot ulcers or reducing plantar foot pressure in diabetic clients reported that 73 to 100% of wounds healed when a
total contact cast (TCC) was applied. The healing period ranged between 30 to 63 days. All other casting modalities,
such as fiberglass cast shoes, Scotch-cast boots, window casts and custom splints, also reported positive healing rates
between 70 to 91%, within a period of 34 to 300 days (Bus et al., 2008).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Surgery may be considered if pressure redistributing devices are ineffective or not a viable option. Several surgical
procedures were identified for wounds that have not healed at the expected rate (refer to Recommendation 2.2 and
Appendix O for specific treatment options).
RECOMMENDATION 3.3:
Provide health education to optimize diabetes management, foot care and ulcer care.
Health education and its reinforcement is an essential intervention for clients with diabetic foot ulcers. Nurses, as the
single largest group of health-care professionals working in a range of settings, are in a pivotal position to provide
and reinforce health education related to diabetes management and foot and ulcer care. They may act as the primary
diabetes foot care educator, as a link between clients and their primary care providers, or within specialized diabetes
care teams (RNAO, 2007). Historically, diabetes education was didactic, but in recent years it has become more
participative to address individual variables in the learning process (Whittemore, 2000).
Clients with diabetes who are at a high risk for foot ulceration benefit from diabetes health education and its regular
reinforcement (ADA, 2001; CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008; Mason et al., 1999a; NZGG, 2000; The University of York NHS Centre for Reviews
and Dissemination, 1999; Valk, Kriegsman, & Assendelft, 2004). Health education interventions result in short-term improvement
in the knowledge and self-care behaviours of people with diabetes (Hutchinson et al., 2000; Valk, Kriegsman, & Assendelft, 2002).
Diabetes self-care behaviours influence blood glucose control which, when improved, facilitate healing of foot ulcers.
These behaviours also prevent or delay diabetes-related complications such as peripheral neuropathies and reduced
circulation in lower extremities (IWGDF, 2011; RNAO, 2007; UKPDS Group 33, 1998). Furthermore, health education in a group
setting and sustained long-term follow-up have both been shown to enhance knowledge and produce positive
outcomes, such as improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (CDA CPG Expert Committee, 2008).
Although health education seems to have a positive impact on clients foot and ulcer care knowledge and behaviours,
it is uncertain whether it can prevent foot ulceration and amputation. In a Cochrane review of randomized controlled
trials evaluating the impact of client education on diabetic foot ulceration, Dorresteijn, Kriegsman, Assendelft and
Valk (2010) concluded that there is insufficient evidence to ascertain whether client education, without additional
preventative measures, reduces ulcer incidence. It should be noted, however, that the methodology of inquiry must
be in keeping with the research question and that randomized controlled trials may not always be the appropriate
design for every question.
See Appendix S for a client handout on diabetic foot care.
45
RECOMMENDATION 3.4:
Facilitate client-centred learning based on individual needs to prevent or reduce complications.
Level of Evidence = III
RECOMMENDATIONS
Diabetic foot care education may support health promotionG strategies when presented in a way that is meaningful
and easily understood by the client (Schoen et al., 2010). Conducting a learning needs assessment prior to delivering
diabetic foot care education helps tailor the learning session to help the client receive and understand the information
presented to him/her (RNAO, 2012a). This assessment should include the clients learning preferences, individual
characteristics and relevant social determinants of health.
Learning Preferences
Clients have diverse learning preferences that may or may not align with the health-care professionals personal
teaching style. Every client should be given the opportunity to learn in his/her preferred manner (RNAO, 2012a).
The health-care professional should adapt the learning session to meet the clients learning needs and preferences.
Individual Characteristics
Personal attitudes, cultural beliefs, level of literacy, age and physical condition all influence an individuals ability to
carry out the recommended regimen (American Association of Diabetes Educators, 1999; Canadian Diabetes Association Diabetes Educator
Section, 2000). Accounting for these individual characteristics prior to the learning session may optimize the diabetic
foot care education plan.
Social Determinants of Health
Key factors related to the conditions in which people live and that affect their general health are known as social
determinants of health. These factors include:

Income and social status;

Social support networks;
Education and literacy;
Employment and working conditions;
Social environments;
Physical environment;
Gender;
Culture;
Personal health practices and coping skills;

Healthy child development;
Health services and biology; and
Genetic endowment.
(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2012)
Assessing the relevant social determinants of health as part of the learning needs assessment may identify key issues
that could impact on the clients ability to implement strategies to prevent or reduce complications.
For further discussion and more detailed information about client centred learning strategies, the reader is
encouraged to consult the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline Facilitating Client Centred Learning (2012).
46
EVALUATION
RECOMMENDATION 4.0:
Monitor the progress of wound healing on an ongoing basis using a consistent tool, and
evaluate the percentage of wound closure at 4 weeks.
Level of Evidence = Ib
RECOMMENDATIONS
Wound management is a comprehensive process and should therefore include an evaluation of the care plan.
The RNAO expert panel suggests posing the questions below when evaluating outcomes of the treatment plan:
1. How is wound healing evaluated?
2. Is wound healing progressing at the expected rate?
3. Is the treatment plan effective?
Wound healing progress should be evaluated on an on-going and systematic basis. In a prospective, randomized
controlled trial, Sheehan et al. (2003) found that a 50% reduction in wound surface area at 4 weeks was a good
predictor of wound healing at 12 weeks. This finding was further supported by other research evidence, which
showed that poor wound healing at 4 weeks was a strong predictor for non-healing at 12 weeks (Flanagan, 2003; Warriner,
Snyder, & Cardinal, 2011). Furthermore, in a recent retrospective analysis of two randomized controlled trials of diabetic
foot ulcer healing, Warriner et al. (2011) identified that wound healing at 12 weeks was substantially greater in
wounds demonstrating more than 90% wound closure at 8 weeks. Therefore, progress of wound healing at 4 and
8 weeks may be correlated with wound closure at 12 weeks.
Assessment tools should be consistently used when monitoring and evaluating the progress of foot ulcer healing.
The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing tool (PUSH tool) measures wound size, exudates and tissue type, and has
recently been validated for assessing diabetic foot ulcer healing (Gardner, Frantz, Bergquist, & Shin, 2005; Hon et al., 2010).
A lower PUSH score indicates greater wound closure, less exudate and healthier epithelial tissue. See Appendix T
for the PUSH Tool.
Furthermore, if a diabetic foot ulcer does not achieve a 50% reduction in surface area at 4 weeks, a comprehensive
re-assessment of the treatment plan should be conducted before advanced healing technologies are considered.
47
RECOMMENDATION 4.1:
Reassess for additional correctable factors if healing does not occur at the expected rate.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Reassessing correctable factors for a wound that has not healed according to the care plan is integral to wound
management. These correctable factors may include infection, poor glycemic control and inadequate pressure
redistribution from prescribed devices. Revisiting the clients health history and co-morbidities may also provide
useful information to identify potential barriers to wound healing (Collins & Toiba, 2010).
The most common reason for delayed wound healing in a diabetic foot ulcer is inadequate pressure offloading.
Inadequate pressure offloading can be due to poor client adherence to offloading devices or a lack of prescription
for offloading devices (Armstrong et al., 2001). Poor client adherence to prescribed offloading devices may be due to
a variety of reasons. Nurses should assess the clients knowledge about the benefits of pressure-reducing devices,
encourage the communication of concerns and engage in health teaching. Identifying strategies that promote
informed and engaged clients may be the most critical aspect of care-planning and to ensure adherence to offloading
and pressure redistribution devices. If appropriate offloading is not prescribed, however, the person with the diabetic
foot ulcer should be referred to a centre specializing in diabetic foot ulcer care.
Appropriate follow-up measures may be indicated for non-healing wounds where all possible correctable factors
have been addressed. Several adjunctive approaches can be considered for persistent non-healing wounds (refer to
Recommendation 2.2 and Appendix O for specific treatment options).
48
Education Recommendations
RECOMMENDATION 5.0:
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Health-care professionals participate in continuing education opportunities to enhance

specific knowledge and skills to competently assess and manage clients with diabetic foot
ulcers, based on the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline Assessment and Management of
Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.).
Assessment and treatment of people with diabetic foot ulcers is a complex and dynamic process that requires a team
of health-care professionals with specialized knowledge and skills. The knowledge and skills necessary to assess and
treat a person with a diabetic foot ulcer are not taught in an entry level program. Therefore, team members should
participate in accredited continuing education opportunities to receive specific wound care training with appropriate
provisions of time, access and funding from their health-care organization. The team should adopt a client-centred
approachG and have a sound knowledge base enabling them to problem solve and ensure interventions are evidence
based according to organizational policies and procedures (Benbow, 2011).
Refer to Appendix U for a list of resources for diabetic foot ulcer information.
RECOMMENDATION 5.1:
Educational institutions incorporate the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline, Assessment
and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.), into basic registered nurse,
registered practical nurse, doctor of medicine and interprofessional curricula to promote a
culture of evidence-based practice.
Members of the interprofessional team play a vital role in the early detection and ongoing assessment of diabetic foot
ulcers. They are also in a pivotal position to facilitate an evidence-based team approach to treatment (Hayes, 2009; IWGDF, 2011).
The RNAO expert panel suggests incorporating the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline, Assessment and Management
of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.), into interprofessional curricula to ensure health-care professionals
are exposed to and provided with evidence-based knowledge, skills and tools that are needed to assist in assessing
and managing people with diabetic foot ulcers.
49
Organization and Policy Recommendations

RECOMMENDATION 6.0:
Use a systematic approach to implement the Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers
for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.) clinical practice guideline and provide resources and
organizational and administrative supports to facilitate clinician uptake.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Through a panel of nurses, researchers and administrators, RNAO developed the Toolkit: Implementation of
Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) (RNAO, 2012b), founded on available evidence, theoretical perspectives and expert
consensusG. The Toolkit is designed to facilitate the successful uptake and implementation of guidelines by
nurses and other health-care professionals. RNAO strongly recommends the use of this Toolkit for guiding the
implementation of the RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guideline, Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for
People with Diabetes (2nd ed.).
An effective organizational plan for guideline implementation includes:
An assessment of
organizational readiness and barriers to implementation, taking into account local circumstances;
of all members (whether in a direct or indirect supportive function) in the implementation process;
Ongoing educational opportunities to reinforce the importance of best practices;
One or more qualified individual(s) to provide the support needed for the education and implementation process;
and
Opportunities for reflection on personal and organizational experience in implementing guidelines.
Involvement
Successful implementation of best practice guidelines requires the use of a structured, systematic planning
process and strong leadership from nurses who are able to transform the evidence-based recommendations
into policies, procedures and nursing-related practices that impact on care within the organization. The RNAO
Toolkit: Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) (2012b) provides a structured model for implementing
practice change.
Refer to the Implementation Strategies section of this guideline and Appendix V for a description of the RNAO
Toolkit: Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) (2012b).
50
RECOMMENDATION 6.1:
Develop policies that acknowledge and designate human, material and fiscal resources to
support the interprofessional team in diabetic foot ulcer management.
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION 6.2:
Establish and support an interprofessional, inter-agency team comprised of knowledgeable and
interested persons to address and monitor quality improvement in the management of diabetic
foot ulcers.
RECOMMENDATION 6.3:
Develop processes to facilitate the referral of clients with diabetic foot ulcers to local diabetes
resources and health-care professionals.
Organizations play a pivotal role in advocating and facilitating access to diabetic foot ulcer care services. This role
includes advocating for increased availability of and accessibility to diabetic foot ulcer care. To achieve optimal
outcomes for people with diabetic foot ulcers, emphasis should be placed on an interprofessional health-care
team that can establish and sustain an effective communication network between the client and their immediate
health-care system. Teams may collaborate virtually to coordinate efforts and ensure goals are consistently met
(Inlow et al., 2000). Furthermore, interprofessional diabetes foot ulcer care should be community-based and considerate
of age, gender, cultural beliefs and socioeconomic dispositions. Through a retrospective review of the literature,
Frykberg (1998) reported a reduction in non-traumatic amputation rates ranging from 58 to 100% after the
implementation of an interprofessional approach to foot care.
51
Key members of the team, along with the client and their family, may include:
Diabetologists/endocrinologists;
surgeons;
Plastic surgeons;
Dermatologists;
Chiropodists/podiatrists;
Infectious disease specialists;
Family physicians;
Nurses specializing in diabetes and wound care;
Occupational therapists;
Physiotherapists; and
Dietitians.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Vascular
Diabetes foot care services should be accessible, comprehensive and supported by evidence-based clinical practice
guidelines. Within this mandate, the interprofessional team should be dedicated to both maintaining the overall
well being of the person with diabetes and preserving the integrity of lower extremities affected by foot ulcer(s)
(Inlow et al., 2000).
RECOMMENDATION 6.4:
Advocate for strategies and ongoing funding to assist clients in obtaining appropriate pressure
redistribution devices during and after ulcer closure.
An organizational commitment to provide care and make available pressure redistribution devices is required
to ensure quality health outcomes in foot ulcer management. As offloading devices may vary greatly in cost, the
selection and effectiveness of appropriate devices should be continually assessed on an individual basis to optimize
quality care. While the costs of pressure redistribution devices are substantial, it is important that such costs are
viewed in relation to the total cost of care for foot ulcer and increased risk of amputation (Bus et al., 2008). Nurses
may advocate for strategies and ongoing funding that increase the accessibility of pressure redistribution devices
for clients with foot ulcers in the hospital and community setting.
52
Research Gaps and Future Implications

The RNAO expert panel, in reviewing the evidence for this edition of the guideline, identified the following priority
research areas, many of which were identified in the first edition. These areas have been broadly categorized into
practice, outcomes and health system research (see Table 7).
Table 7: Priority Practice, Outcomes and Health System Research Areas
PRIORITY RESEARCH AREA
PRACTICE RESEARCH
Establishment of a standardized assessment and documentation tool for diabetic

foot ulcers
RECOMMENDATIONS
CATEGORY
Dressing choices for local wound care

Impact of education on health-care professional and specific patient outcomes
(ulcer healing/re-occurrence)
OUTCOMES RESEARCH
The effectiveness of debridement and the methods of debridement

Effectiveness of sharp/surgical debridement on wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers
Dressing and device options to promote healing
Effectiveness of adjunctive therapies to promote wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers
Effectiveness of various devices utilized for pressure redistribution/offloading in
diabetic foot ulcers
Perceptions of and meaning for persons living with diabetic foot ulcers
Impact of education on health-care professional outcomes and specific patient
outcomes (ulcer healing/re-occurrence)
HEALTH SYSTEM
RESEARCH
Health delivery issues (government support and funding of programs and treatment
for diabetic foot ulcer management, cultural beliefs, high-risk patient populations)
Health economic evaluations of secondary and tertiary prevention strategies
The above table, although in no way exhaustive, is an attempt to identify and prioritize the critical amount of
research that is needed in this area. Many of the recommendations in the guideline are based on quantitative and
qualitative research evidence. Other recommendations are based on consensus or expert opinion. Further substantive
research is required to validate the expert opinion. Increasing the research evidence can impact knowledge that will
lead to improved practice and outcomes for people who experience diabetic foot ulcers.
53
Evaluation/Monitoring of Guideline
Organizations implementing the recommendations in this nursing BPG are advised to consider how their
implementation, and their impact, will be monitored and evaluated. The impact of BPG implementation and
sustained use of evidence-based practice can be evaluated objectively through regular review of the utilization
of the Nursing Order SetsG and their effect on client health outcomes. Nursing Order Sets embedded within
clinical information systems simplify this process by providing a mechanism for electronic data capture.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Table 8 is based on a framework outlined in the Toolkit: Implementation of best practice guidelines (2nd ed.) (RNAO, 2012b)
and illustrates some specific indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the RNAO guideline, Assessment and
Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (2nd ed.).
54
Table 8: Structure, Process and Outcome Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluating this Guideline.
LEVEL OF
INDICATOR
STRUCTURE
PROCESS
OUTCOME
OBJECTIVES
To
To
To
ORGANIZATION/
UNIT
Review
Development
Incorporation
of
best practice
recommendations
by organizational
committee(s)
responsible for
policies and
procedures.
Availability
of
patient education
resources that
are consistent
with best practice
recommendations.
evaluate the
changes in practice
that lead towards
improved assessment
and management of
diabetic foot ulcers.
of forms or
documentation
systems that
encourage
documentation
of assessment and
management of
evaluate
the impact of
implementation
of the
recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
evaluate the
supports available in
the organization that
allow for nurses and
the interprofessional
team to integrate
in their practice
the assessment and
management of
of
Assessment and
Management of
Foot Ulcers for
People with Diabetes
in staff orientation
program.
Referrals
internally
and externally.
Concrete
procedures
for making referrals
to internal and
external resources
and services.
Provision
of
accessible resource
people for
nurses and the
interprofessional
team to consult
for ongoing
support during
and after initial
implementation
period.
55
RECOMMENDATIONS
LEVEL OF
INDICATOR
STRUCTURE
PROCESS
OUTCOME
PROVIDER
Percentage
Self-assessed
Evidence
of
health-care providers
attending the best
practice guideline
education sessions
on assessment and
management of
knowledge of
assessment and
management of
Average
selfreported awareness
levels of community
referral sources for
people with diabetic
foot ulcers.
of
documentation in
the clients record
consistent with
the guideline
recommendations.
Referral
to the
following services or
resources within the
community or within
the organization
as necessary
chiropodist/
podiatrist, wound
care clinic, diabetes
education centre,
nurses specializing in
wound and diabetes
care, dermatologist,
infectious
disease specialist,
vascular surgeon,
plastic surgeon,
family physician,
endocrinologist/
diabetologist,
dietitian,
occupational
therapist,
physiotherapist.
Provision
of
education and
support to client
and family members.
Client/family
satisfaction.
56
LEVEL OF
INDICATOR
CLIENT (NEW
OR RECURRENT
DIABETIC FOOT
ULCER)
PROCESS
OUTCOME
Percentage
*
*
Percentage of
diabetic foot ulcers
that have shown
a 50% reduction
in wound surface
area at 4 weeks.
*
Percentage of
clients with
diabetic foot
ulcerations that
have closed at
12 weeks and that
had healed 50%
at 4 weeks.
*
Percentage of
clients with
diabetic foot
ulcerations who
have offloading
devices prescribed.
of
people admitted to
unit/facility or seen
at the clinic with
*
*
Percentage of
clients who present
with diabetic foot
ulcerations with
documented
evidence of
bilateral lower
extremity
assessment.
Percentage of
clients who present
with diabetic foot
ulceration with
documented
evidence of a
complete foot
ulcer assessment.
Percentage of
clients with a
diagnosis of
diabetes and foot
ulceration with
documentation
of education
and educational
materials provided
to client, family,
or caregivers
addressing
diabetes
management and
ulcer care.
RECOMMENDATIONS
STRUCTURE
Improvement
in
quality of life and
satisfaction.
Percentage
of
people adhering
to treatment
plan at 3 months
post-discharge.
Percentage
of
clients who regularly
examine their feet.
Percentage
of
clients accessing
referral sources
in community.
Percentage
of clients
seen or to be seen
for referral.
57
LEVEL OF
INDICATOR
RECOMMENDATIONS
FINANCIAL
COSTS
STRUCTURE
PROCESS
OUTCOME
Provision
Cost related to
implementing
guideline:
Cost
Education
Overall
of
adequate financial
resources for the
level of staffing
necessary to
implement guideline
recommendations.
and
access to on-the-job
supports.
New
documentation
systems.
Support
Cost
systems.
related to
diagnostic services,
equipment, devices
and products
(e.g., monofilaments,
client resource
materials, biological
agents, surgical
interventions,
adjunctive
therapies, pressure
redistribution/
offloading).
efficiency and
effectiveness of
treatment.
resource
utilization.
Length
of stay in
health system.
Hospital
readmission
rates.
Reintegration
into
community.
* These process and outcome indicators have been taken from the NQuIRE Data Dictionary for the best practice guideline Assessment and Management of
Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes (Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) & Nursing and Healthcare Research Unit (Investn-isciii), 2012).
NQuIRE is the acronym for Nursing Quality Indicators for Reporting and Evaluation. NQuIRE was designed for RNAO Best Practice Spotlight
Organizations (BPSO) to systematically monitor the progress and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the RNAO Best Practice Guidelines in their
organizations. Please visit http://rnao.ca/bpg/initiatives/nquire for more information.
58
Implementation Strategies
Guideline implementation at the point of care is multifaceted and challenging at all levels. The uptake of knowledge
in any practice setting requires more than the awareness and distribution of guidelines. Application of the guideline in
any practice setting requires adaptation for the local context. Adaptation must be systematic and participatory to ensure
recommendations are customized to fit the local context (Straus, Tetroe, & Graham 2009). The Registered Nurses Association
of Ontario recommends the use of the Toolkit: Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) (RNAO, 2012b), which
provides an evidenced-informed process for a systematic, well-planned implementation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Toolkit is based on emerging evidence that the likelihood of achieving successful uptake of best practice in health
care increases when:
Leaders
at all levels are committed to support facilitation of guideline implementation

are selected for implementation through a systematic, participatory process
Stakeholders relevant to the focus of the guideline are identified, and engaged in the implementation process
An environmental readiness assessment for implementation is conducted for its impact on guideline uptake
The guideline is tailored to the local context
Barriers and facilitators to use of the guideline are assessed and addressed
Interventions are selected that promote guideline use
Guideline use is systematically monitored and sustained
Evaluation of the impacts of guideline use is embedded into the process
There are adequate resources to complete the activities related to all aspects of guideline implementation
Guidelines
The Toolkit uses the knowledge-to-action model that depicts the process of choosing a guideline in the centre
triangle, and follows a detailed step-by-step direction for implementing guideline recommendations at the local
level. These steps are illustrated in Figure 3: Knowledge to Action framework (RNAO, 2012b; Straus et al., 2009).
59
Figure 3: Revised Knowledge-to-Action Framework

Monitor Knowledge Use
& Evaluate Outcomes
Chapter 5:
Identify key Indicators
Concepts of knowledge
Evaluating patient and
related outcomes
Knowledge Inquiry
Knowledge
Tools/
Products
(BPGs)
Adapt Knowledge to Local Context

Chapter 2, Part A:
Setting up infrastructure for
implementation of BPG
Initial identification of stakeholders
Use of Adapted Process
Kn
ow
led
ge
Knowledge
Synthesis
ori
ng
RECOMMENDATIONS
Chapter 3:
Identification of barriers and facilitators
How to maximize and overcome
Tai
l
Assess Facilitators and Barriers

to Knowledge Use
Sustain Knowledge Use

Chapter 6
Stakeholders
Chapter 2, Part B:
Define stakeholders and vested interest
Thread stakeholders throughout document
Stakeholder analysis process
Stakeholder tools
Resources
Chapter 2, Part C:
RNAO Resources
Identify Problem
Chapter 1:
Identify, Review, Select Knowledge
Chapter 1:
Identify gaps using quality
improvement process and data
Identification of key knowledge tools (BPGs)
INTRODUCTION
Note. Adapted from Knowledge Translation in Health Care: moving from Evidence to Practice, S. Straus, J. Tetroe, and I. Graham, 2009. Copyright 2009
by the Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
A full version of the Toolkit: Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) is available in PDF format at the
RNAO website, http://rnao.ca/bpg.
In addition, RNAO is committed to widespread deployment and implementation of the guidelines and utilizes
a coordinated approach to dissemination incorporating a variety of strategies. Guideline implementation is
facilitated through RNAO specific initiatives that include the Nursing Best Practice Champion Network, which
serves to develop the capacity of individual nurses and foster awareness, engagement and adoption of BPGs;
and the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) Designation that supports BPG implementation at the
organizational and system levels. BPSOs focus on developing evidence-based cultures with the specific mandate to
implement, evaluate and sustain multiple RNAO clinical practice BPGs. In addition to these strategies, capacitybuilding learning institutes related to specific BPGs and their implementation are held annually. (RNAO, 2012b, p. 19-20).
Further information about each of these implementation strategies can be found at:
RNAO
Best Practice Champions Network: http://rnao.ca/bpg/get-involved/champions

Best Practice Spotlight Organizations: http://rnao.ca/bpg/bpso
RNAO capacity-building learning institutes and other professional development opportunities: http://rnao.ca/events
RNAO
60
Process For Guideline Update/

Review of Guideline
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) commits to update its best practice guidelines (BPG) as follows:
1. Each nursing BPG will be reviewed by a team of specialists (RNAO Expert Panel) in the topic area to be
completed every 5 years following publication of the last edition.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Best Practice Guideline (IaBPG) Centre staff will regularly monitor for new systematic reviews, randomized
controlled trials, and other relevant literature in the field.
3. Based on the results of this monitoring, RNAO IaBPG Centre staff may recommend an earlier revision period.
Appropriate consultation with a team of members comprised of original RNAO Expert Panel members and
other specialists and experts in the field will help inform the decision to review and revise the guidelines earlier
than the targeted milestone.
4. Three months prior to the review milestone, the RNAO IaBPG Centre staff will commence the planning of the
review process by:
a) I nviting specialists in the field to participate on the RNAO Expert Panel. The RNAO Expert Panel will be
comprised of members from the original panel as well as other recommended specialists and experts.
b) Compiling feedback received and questions encountered during the implementation, including comments
and experiences of Best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSO) and other organization implementation
sites regarding their experience.
c) Compiling new clinical practice guidelines in the field and conducting a systematic review of the evidence.
d) Developing a detailed work plan with target dates and deliverables for developing a new edition of the BPG.
5. New editions of guidelines developed will undergo dissemination based on established structures and processes.
61
Reference List
Abbott, C. A., Carrington, A. L., Ashe, H., Bath, S., Every, L. C., Griffiths, J., et al. (2002). The North-West Diabetes
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Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

A1c (also known as Glycated Hemoglobin or HbA1c): The A1c test measures average blood glucose level
over the preceding 2 to 3 months and, thus, assesses glycemic control. When the A1c is done every 3 months, it
can detect whether glycemic control has been reached and maintained within the target range and also reflects
departures from the target range.
Abscess: A circumscribed collection of pus that forms in tissue as a result of acute or chronic localized
infection. It is associated with tissue destruction and frequently swelling.
Anhydrosis: Failure of the sweat glands to produce sweat, resulting in dryness in the skin, often a result of
damaged nerves or neuropathy.
Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI): A comparison between the brachial systolic pressure and ankle
systolic pressure. It gives an indication of arterial perfusion. The normal resting pressure is 1.0.
Antibiotic: An agent that is synthesized from a living organism (e.g., penicillin from mold) and can kill or halt
the growth of microbes or bacteria.
Antimicrobial: An agent that is used to kill bacteria or microbes, that is not synthesized from a living
organism (e.g., iodine or silver).
Antiseptic (Topical): Product with antimicrobial activity designed for use on skin or other superficial tissues;
may damage cells.
Best Practice Guidelines: Systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and client decisions
about appropriate health care for specific clinical (practice) circumstances (Field & Lohr, 1990).
Callus: An area of skin that is abnormally thick or hard, usually from continual pressure or friction, sometimes
over a bony prominence.
Cellulitis: An infection of the skin characterized most commonly by local heat, redness (erythema), pain
APPENDICES
and swelling.
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Charcot Arthropathy (also known as Charcot Joint or Charcot Foot): A Charcot joint or foot is a
form of peripheral neuropathy that often occurs in people with diabetes. Nerve damage from diabetes causes
decreased sensation, muscle and ligamental atrophy, and subsequent joint instability. Continuous use and
walking on an insensitive and weakened joint causes further damage to the foot structure. In the acute phase,
inflammation and bone reabsorption in the foot causes damage to the bone. In the later stages, the foot arch
falls and may develop a "rocker bottom" appearance. Weight distribution of the sole is altered in Charcot
arthropathy, causing deformities and pressure points that enhance ulcer development. Signs of Charcot
arthropathy include increased skin temperature, pain, erythema, swelling, rigid deformities, and callus
formation (ADA, 2001; Bowerkey & Pfeifer, 2001).
Claw Toes: The joint at base of toe is bent up and middle joint is bent down, which may cause severe pressure
and pain. The ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toes joints to curl downwards and may
occur in any toe except the great toe.
Client: A client may be an individual (patient, resident, consumer), family, substitute decision-maker (SDM),
group or community (CNO, 2009b; Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009).
Client-Centred Approach: An approach in which clients are viewed as whole; it is not merely about
delivering services where the client is located. The client-centred care approach involves advocacy,
empowerment, and respecting the clients autonomy, voice, self-determination and participation in
decision-making (RNAO, 2006a).
Clinical Practice Guidelines: See Best Practice Guidelines.

Consensus: A process for making policy decisions, not a scientific method for creating new knowledge.
Consensus development makes the best use of available information, be that scientific data or the collective
wisdom of the participants (Black et al., 1999).
Culture: Culture refers to the shared and learned values, beliefs, norms and ways of life of an individual or
a group. It influences thinking, decisions and actions (CNO, 2009b).
APPENDICES
Diabetic Neuropathy: Peripheral, somatic or autonomic nerve damage attributable solely to diabetes mellitus.
Education Recommendations: Statements of educational requirements and educational approaches/
strategies for the introduction, implementation and sustainability of the best practice guideline.
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Evidence: Evidence is information that comes closest to the facts of a matter. The form it takes depends
on context. The findings of high-quality, methodologically appropriate research provides the most accurate
evidence. As research is often incomplete and sometimes contradictory or unavailable, other kinds of
information are necessary supplements to, or stand-ins for research. The evidence base for a decision involves
combining the multiple forms of evidence and balancing rigor with expedience, privileging the former over
the latter (Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, 2006).
Fissures: A long, narrow opening or gap that can extend into other cavities or areas of the body.
Foot Ulcer: A full thickness wound below the ankle in a diabetic patient, irrespective of duration.
Skin necrosis and gangrene are also included as ulcers (IWGDF, 2011).
Friable Granulation Tissue: Granulation tissue that bleeds easily with minimal stimulation. Normal healthy
tissue is not friable.
F-Scan Mat: Measures dynamic plantar pressures (foot pressure in standing and walking positions).
This device measures peak pressures under the forefoot and the rear foot and is used to assist health-care
professionals in reducing pressure areas to the foot.
Hallux Deformity: A deformity of the great toe.
Hammer Toes: Middle joint is bent down, which may cause severe pressure and pain. The ligaments
and tendons that have tightened cause the toes joints to curl downwards and may occur in any toe except
the great toe.
Health Promotion: A process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health
(WHO, 1986).
Infection: The presence of bacteria or other micro-organisms in sufficient quantity to damage tissue or
APPENDICES
impair healing. Clinical experience has indicated that wounds can be classified as infected when the wound
tissue contains 105 or greater micro-organisms per gram of tissue. Clinical signs of infection may not be
present, especially in the immuno-compromised client or the client with a chronic wound.
Insensate: A word that describes a region of the body where the person cannot feel a stimulus. As an example,
if a monofilament is applied using proper technique, and the person does not feel the filament, that area of the
foot is described as insensate.
Intermittent claudication: The reproducible cramping, aching, fatigue, weakness and/or frank pain in
the buttock, thigh or calf muscles (rarely the foot) occurring after exercise and quickly relieved with 10 minutes
of rest (Bonham & Flemister, 2008).
102
Interprofessional Team: Refers to multiple health caregivers who work collaboratively to deliver quality
care within and across settings to provide comprehensive health services to clients (Interprofessional Care Steering
Committee, 2007).
Malnutrition: State of nutritional insufficiency due to either inadequate dietary intake or defective
assimilation or utilization of food ingested.
Metatarsal Heads: The metatarsal region of the foot is the area on the bottom of a foot just before the toes,
more commonly referred to as the ball-of-the-foot.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a strain of the staphylococcus

bacterium that is resistant to the main groups of antibiotics.
Nursing Order Set: A nursingorder setis a group of evidence-based interventions that are specific to the
domain of nursing; it is ordered independently by nurses (i.e., without a physicians signature) to standardize
the care provided for a specific clinical condition (e.g. pressure ulcers).
Onychomycosis: Fungal infection in the toe nails. Nails may appear dry, thickened, white or yellow and flaky.
Organization and Policy Recommendations: Statements of conditions required for a practice setting that
enables the successful implementation of the best practice guideline. The conditions for success are largely the
responsibility of the organization, although they may have implications for policy at a broader government or
societal level.
Pallor: White, pale, blanched colour of a limb when in the upright position.
Pes Cavus: A foot characterized by an abnormally high arch. Hyperextension of the toes may be present which
can give the foot the appearance of a claw.
Pes Planus: A foot that has a fallen arch and appears abnormally flat or spread out.
Photoplethysmography: Photoplethysmography uses infrared light to assess changes in the blood volume
APPENDICES
in the micro-circulation.
Practice Recommendations: Statements of best practice directed at the practice of health-care professionals
that are ideally evidence-based.
103
Quality: The degrees to which health-care services for individuals and populations increase the
likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge
(World Health Organization, 2009).
Randomized Controlled Trials: Clinical trials that involve at least one test treatment and one control
treatment, concurrent enrollment and follow-up of the test- and control-treated groups, and in which the
treatments to be administered are selected by a random process.
Rubor: Dark purple to bright red colour of a limb when in a dependent position.
Sensory Ataxia: An impairment of ones sense of body position. It may be characterized by striking the
ground forcibly with the bottom of the foot as well as a stiff fling of the leg with walking.
Specificity: The chance of having a negative test result given that one does not have a disease.
Sensitivity: The chance of having positive test result given that one does have a disease.
Sharp Debridement (also known as Conservative Sharp Debridement): The removal of dead or
devitalised tissue from healthy tissue using a scalpel, scissors and forceps (Gray et al., 2011).
Stakeholder: An individual, group or organization with a vested interest in the decisions and actions of
organizations and who may attempt to influence decisions and actions (Baker et al., 1999). Stakeholders include
all individuals or groups who will be directly or indirectly affected by the change or solution to the problem.
Swabbing: Technique involving the use of a swab to remove bacteria from a wound and place them in a
growth medium for propagation and identification.
Systemic Infection: A clinical infection that extends beyond the margins of the wound. Some systemic
infectious complications of pressure ulcers include cellulitis, advancing cellulitis, osteomyelitis, meningitis,
endocarditis, septic arthritis, bacteremia and sepsis.
APPENDICES
Systematic Review: The Cochrane Collaboration (2011) states that, a systematic review attempts to collate
all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question.
A systematic review uses systematic, explicit and reproducible methods to identify, select, and critically
appraise relevant research, and to collect and analyze data from the studies that are included in the review
(The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011).
Toe Pressure: See Photoplethysmography.
104
Appendix B: Guideline Development Process

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) has made a commitment to ensure that this nursing best
practice guideline is based on best available evidence. In order to meet this commitment, a monitoring and revision
process has been established for each guideline every 5 years.
For this edition of the guideline, RNAO assembled an expert panel of health-care professionals comprised of
members from the previous development panel as well as other recommended individuals with particular expertise
in this practice area. A systematic review of the evidence based on the scope of the original guideline and supported
by four clinical questions was conducted to capture the relevant literature and guidelines published between 2004
and 2012. The following research questions were established to guide the systematic review:
1. What are the most effective methods for the assessment of foot ulcer in clients with diabetes?
2. What are the most effective interventions to manage foot ulcers and prevent re-ulceration in clients with diabetes?
3. What health-care professional education and training is required to ensure the provision of effective diabetic
foot ulcer care?
4. How do health-care organizations support and promote optimal assessment and management of foot ulcers in
clients with diabetes?
The RNAO expert panel members were given a mandate to review the original guideline (March 2005) in light of
the new evidence, specifically to ensure the validity, appropriateness and safety of the guideline recommendations.
Where necessary, sections of the guideline have been updated based on new evidence. This current edition (2013)
is the culmination of the RNAO expert panels work in integrating the most current and best evidence to update
the guideline recommendations and supporting evidence from the first edition.
APPENDICES
105
Appendix C:
Process for Systematic Review/Search Strategy
Guideline Review
A member of the RNAO guideline development team (project coordinator) searched an established list of websites
for guidelines and other relevant content published between 2004 and 2012. This list was compiled based on existing
knowledge of evidence-based practice websites and recommendations from the literature. Detailed information
about the search strategy for existing guidelines, including the list of websites searched and inclusion criteria, is
available online at www.RNAO.ca. Guidelines were also identified by members of the RNAO expert panel.
Members of the panel critically appraised nine international guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research
and Evaluation Instrument II (Brouwers et al., 2010). From this review, the following four guidelines were selected to
inform the review process:
Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. (2008). Clinical practice guidelines
for the prevention and management of diabetes in Canada. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 32(suppl 1), S1-S201.
International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot [IWGDF] (2011). International consensus on the diabetic foot and
practical and specific guidelines on the management and prevention of the diabetic foot 2011. International Working
Group on the Diabetic Foot. Retrieved from http://www.iwgdf.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=
33&Itemid=48
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). (2010). Management of diabetes: A national clinical guideline.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.
Lipskey, B. A., Berendt, A. R., Cornia, P. B., Pile, J. C., Peters, E. J. G., Armstrong, D. G., et al. (2012). 2012 Infectious
Disease Society of America clinical practical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot infections.
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 54(1), 132-173.
Systematic Review
APPENDICES
Concurrent with the review of existing guidelines, a search for recent literature relevant to the scope of the guideline
was conducted with guidance from the RNAO expert panel chair. The systematic literature search was facilitated
by a health sciences librarian. The search, limited to English-language articles published between 2004 and 2012,
was applied to CINAHL, Embase, DARE, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews. Detailed information about the search strategy for the systematic review, including
the inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as search terms, is available online at www.RNAO.ca. Two Research
Assistants (Masters prepared nurses) independently assessed the eligibility of studies according to established
inclusion/exclusion criteria. The RNAO Best Practice Guideline (BPG) Program Manager involved in supporting
the RNAO expert panel, resolved disagreements.
Quality appraisal scores for 17 articles (a random sample of 10% of articles eligible for data extraction and quality
appraisal) were independently assessed by the RNAO BPG Program Research Assistants. Strong inter-rater agreement
(kappa statistic, K=0.67) justified proceeding with quality appraisal and data extraction by dividing the remaining
106
studies equally between the two RNAO BPG Program Research Associates (Fleiss, 2003). A final summary of literature
findings was completed. The comprehensive data tables and summary were provided to all panel members. In
September 2012, the RNAO expert panel convened to achieve consensus on the need to update the original guideline
recommendations and discussion of evidence.
A review of the most recent literature and relevant guidelines published between 2004 and 2012 resulted in
refinements to existing recommendations, as well as inclusion of stronger evidence for the recommendations.
This second edition of the guideline is a culmination of the original work and the new literature. The following flow
diagrams of the review process for guidelines and articles are presented according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines (Moher, Liberati, Ttzlaff, Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009).
Guidelines indentified through

website searching
(n=7)
Additional guidelines identified

by panel
(n=2)
Guidelines excluded
(n=0)
Guidelines assessed
for quality
(n=9)
Guidelines excluded
(n=5)
Guidelines included
(n=4)
APPENDICES
Guidelines screened
(n=9)
ELIGIBILITY
Guidelines after duplicates removed

(n=9)
INCLUDED
SCREENING
IDENTIFICATION
Guideline Review Process Flow Diagram
Flow diagram adapted from D. Moher, A. Liberati, J. Tetzlaff, D.G. Altman, & The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. BMJ 339, b2535, doi: 10.1136/bmj.b2535
107
IDENTIFICATION
Article Review Process Flow Diagram
Articles identified through

database searching
(n=6782)
Additional articles identified

by panel
(n=9)
INCLUDED
ELIGIBILITY
SCREENING
Articles after duplicates removed

(n=5793)
Articles screened
(title and abstract)
(n=5793)
Articles excluded
(n=5424)
Full-text articles
assessed for relevance
(n=369)
Full-text articles
excluded
(n=197)
Full-text articles
assessed for quality
(n=172)
Full-text articles
excluded
(n=138)
Studies included
(n=34)
APPENDICES
Flow diagram adapted from D. Moher, A. Liberati, J. Tetzlaff, D.G. Altman, & The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. BMJ 339, b2535, doi: 10.1136/bmj.b2535
108
Appendix D:
University of Texas Foot Classification System
Categories 4-6: Risk Factors for Amputation
CATEGORY 4A: NEUROPATHIC WOUND
CATEGORY 4B: ACUTE CHARCOTS JOINT
Protective
Protective
sensation absent
Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) > 0.80

and toe systolic pressure >45 mmHg
sensation absent
Ankle
Ankle
Foot
Non-infected
deformity normally present
neuropathic ulceration
(ALL UT* STAGE A wounds)

Non-infected
acute diabetic neuropathic

osteoarthorpathy (Charcots joint) present
neuropathic ulceration may
be present
Diabetic
neuropathic osteoarthropathy
(Charcots joint) present
No
POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR CATEGORY 4B
POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR CATEGORY 4A
Pressure
Same as Category 3 plus:
Thermometric
Pressure
If
Wound
reduction program instituted
reduction program instituted

and radiographic monitoring
ulcer is present, treatment same as

Category 4A
care program instituted
CATEGORY 5: THE INFECTED DIABETIC FOOT
CATEGORY 6: THE ISCHEMIC LIMB
Protective
Protective
sensation may or may not
be present
Infected
wound
Charcots

ALL
POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR CATEGORY 5

Debridement
Ankle
Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) <0.80

and toe systolic pressure <45 mmHg or Pedal
Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension < 40 mmHg
Possible
hospitalization, antibiotic
treatment regimen
management
Ulceration

may be present
ALL UT* STAGE C AND D wounds
POSSIBLE TREATMENT OF CATEGORY 6

Vascular
APPENDICES
of infected, necrotic tissue

and/or bone, as indicated
Medical
present
Joint may be present
UT* STAGE B wounds
sensation may or may not be
consult, possible revascularization
If
infection present, treatment same as for

Category 5. Vascular consultation concomitant
with control of sepsis.
Legend: *UT = University of Texas

** See Appendix E UT Foot Classification System Categories 0-3: Risk Factors for Ulceration
Note. From Practical criteria for screening patients at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration, by L.A. Lavery, D.G. Armstrong, S.A. Vela, T.L. Quebedeau and
J.G. Fleishchli, 1998, Archives of Internal Medicine,158(2), p. 157-162. Reprinted with permission of Dr. D.G. Armstrong.
109
Appendix E:
University of Texas Foot Classification System
Categories 0-3: Risk Factors for Ulceration
CATEGORY 0: NO PATHOLOGY
CATEGORY 1: NEUROPATHY, NO DEFORMITY
Patient
Protective
diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
Protective
sensation intact
Ankle

Foot
No
deformity may be present
history of ulceration
sensation absent
Ankle

No
history of ulceration
No
history of diabetic neuropathic

osteoarthropathy (Charcots joint)
No
foot deformity

Two
to three visits a year to assess

neurovascular status, dermal thermometry,
and foci of stress
Possible
education
APPENDICES
Patient
shoe accommodations
110

Possible
shoe gear accommodation

(pedorthic/orthotist consultation)
Quarterly
visits to assess shoe gear and

monitor for signs of irritation
CATEGORY 2: NEUROPATHY WITH DEFORMITY
CATEGORY 3: HISTORY OF PATHOLOGY
Protective
Protective
sensation absent
Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) >0.80

sensation absent
Ankle
Ankle
No
history of neuropathic ulceration
History
of neuropathic ulceration
No
history of Charcots joint
History
of Charcots joint
Foot
deformity present (focus of stress)
Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) >0.80

Foot
deformity present (focus of stress)
POSSIBLE TREATMENT OF CATEGORY 3
Pedorthic/orthotist
Pedorthic/orthotist
consultation for
possible custom molded/extra depth shoe
accommodation
Possible
prophylactic surgery to alleviate focus

of stress (e.g., correction of hammer toe or
bunion deformity)
consultation for custom

molded/extra depth shoe accommodation
Possible
prophylactic surgery to alleviate the

focus of stress (e.g., correction of bunion or
hammer toe)
More
frequent visits may be indicated for

monitoring
Note. From Practical criteria for screening patients at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration, by L.A. Lavery, D.G. Armstrong, S.A. Vela, T.L. Quebedeau and
J.G. Fleishchli, 1998, Archives of Internal Medicine,158(2), p. 157-162. Reprinted with permission of Dr. D.G. Armstrong.
APPENDICES
111
Appendix F:
University of Texas Health Science Center
San Antonio Diabetic Wound
Classification System
GRADES
APPENDICES
II
III
Pre- or
post-ulcerative
lesion
Superficial wound,
not involving
tendon, capsule
or bone
Wound penetrating
to tendon or
capsule
Wound penetrating
to bone or joint
Pre- or postulcerative lesion,

completely
epithelialized
with infection
Superficial wound,
not involving
tendon, capsule or
bone with infection
Wound penetrating
to tendon or
capsule with
infection
Wound penetrating
to bone or joint
with infection

completely
epithelialized
with ischemia
Superficial wound,
not involving
tendon, capsule or
bone with ischemia
Wound penetrating
to tendon or
capsule with
ischemia
Wound penetrating
to bone or joint
with ischemia

completely
epithelialized
with infection
and ischemia
Superficial wound,
not involving
tendon, capsule or
bone with infection
and ischemia
Wound penetrating
to tendon or
capsule with
infection and
ischemia
Wound penetrating
to bone or joint
with infection and
ischemia
Note. From Validation of a diabetic wound classification system: The contribution of depth, infection and ischemia to risk of amputation,
by D.G. Armstrong, L.A. Lavery and L.B. Harkless, 1998, Diabetes Care, 21(5), p. 855-859. Reprinted with permission.
112
Appendix G:
PEDIS: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Classification System
In 2003, the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) introduced its classification system
(PEDIS) for research purposes. On the basis of the scientific literature and expert opinion, five categories were
identified:
Perfusion
Extent/Size
Depth/Tissue Loss
Infection
Sensation
The 2011 International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot & Practical and Specific Guidelines on the Management and
Prevention of the Diabetic Foot continues to support the use of the PEDIS system as a diabetic foot ulcer
classification system. For each category within this system, a grading system is provided, describing the severity
within each category.
Perfusion
GRADE 1 No symptoms or signs of PAD in the affected foot, in combination with:
dorsal pedal and posterior tibial artery or
Ankle Brachial Index 0.9 to 1.10 or
Toe Brachial Index > 0.6 or
Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPo2) > 60 mmHg
Palpable
GRADE 2 Symptoms or signs of PAD, but not of critical limb ischemia (CLI)
Presence
of intermittent claudication*, as defined in the document of the International Consensus on the

Diabetic Foot or
Ankle Brachial Index < 0.9, but with ankle pressure > 50 mmHg or
Toe Brachial Index < 0.6, but systolic toe blood pressure > 30 mmHg or
TcPo2 30 - 60 mmHg or
Other abnormalities on non-invasive testing, compatible with PAD (but not with CLI).
APPENDICES
Note: If tests other than ankle or toe pressure or TcPo2 are performed, they should be specified in each study.
GRADE 3 Critical limb ischemia, as defined by:
ankle blood pressure < 50 mmHg or
toe blood pressure < 30 mmHg or
TcPo2 < 30 mmHg
Systolic
Systolic
* In case of claudication, additional non-invasive assessment should be performed
113
Extent/Size
Wound size (measured in square centimetres) should be determined after debridement, if possible. The outer border
of the ulcer should be measured from the intact skin surrounding the ulcer. If wound healing is one of the end-points
in a study, tracing of the wound, planimetry or the grid technique should be used for sequential measurements of
the wound area. If, on the other hand, wound size is measured only at the time of recruitment into a study and
intact skin is the primary end-point, the surface area can also be estimated by multiplying the largest diameter by
the second largest diameter measured perpendicular to the first diameter. However, this technique is clearly less
precise. The frequency distribution of the size of the ulcers should be reported in each study as quartiles.
Depth/Tissue Loss
Depth is difficult to determine and relative; an ulcer which is only a few millimeters deep on a toe can penetrate into
bone or a joint, but, in other regions, ulcers can be several centimeters deep without involvement of deeper structures.
Therefore, ulcers are divided into lesions confined to the skin and those deeper than the skin. Even if an ulcer does
not seem to penetrate below the skin, clinical infection in subcutaneous tissues (e.g., an abscess or osteomyelitis)
means it is a deep ulcer. The extent of tissue loss should be evaluated after initial debridement, but this should be
performed judiciously when critical limb ischemia (Grade 3) is suspected.
GRADE 1
Superficial full thickness ulcer, not penetrating any structure deeper than the dermis.
GRADE 2
Deep ulcer, penetrating below the dermis to subcutaneous structures, involving fascia,
muscle, or tendon.
GRADE 3
All subsequent layers of the foot involved, including bone and/or joint (exposed bone,
probing to bone).
Infection
Infection of a diabetic foot ulcer is defined as invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues
associated with tissue destruction or a host inflammatory response. Infection is defined clinically, by the symptoms
and signs of inflammation as described below, regardless of the results of any wound culture.
APPENDICES
Studies on accuracy and validity of different tests for diagnosing infection in diabetic foot disease are scarce.
Therefore, the scheme described below is based mainly on expert opinion.
In grading infection, three parameters, in particular, are relevant to clinical management and possibly to outcome:
the involvement of skin only; the involvement of deeper structures and the systemic inflammatory response of the
patient. In daily practise the term a limb-threatening infection is also frequently used. However, this category is
very difficult to define and overlaps with the other categories.
114
GRADE 1
No symptoms or signs of infection
GRADE 2
Infection involving the skin and the subcutaneous tissue only (without involvement
of deeper tissues and without systemic signs as described below). At least 2 of the
following items are present:

local
swelling or induration;

erythema
> 0.5 to 2 cm around the ulcer;

local
tenderness or pain;

local
warmth; and/or

purulent
discharge (thick, opaque to white or sanguineous secretion).
Other causes of an inflammatory response of the skin should be excluded

(e.g., trauma, gout, acute Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy, fracture, thrombosis,
venous stasis).
GRADE 3
Erythema > 2 cm plus one of the items described above (swelling, tenderness, warmth,
discharge) or
Infection involving structures deeper than skin and subcutaneous tissues such as
abscess, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, fasciitis.
No systemic inflammatory response signs, as described below.
GRADE 4
Any foot infection with the following signs of a systemic inflammatory response
syndrome (SIRS). This response is manifested by two or more of the following conditions:

Temperature

Heart
> 38 or < 36 Celsius;
rate > 90 beats/min;

Respiratory
rate > 20 breaths/min;

PaCO2
< 32 mmHg;

White
blood cell count > 12.000 or < 4.000/cu mm; and/or
10% immature (band) forms.
APPENDICES
115
Sensation
The system categorizes patients as having present or absent protective sensation in the affected foot. The system does
not categorise patients as having (diabetic) polyneuropathy, and additional information is needed for this diagnosis.
Moreover, it does not provide information on the cause of the loss of protective sensation, nor is the severity of the
sensory loss graded. Both pressure and vibration sensation should be determined in each patient.
GRADE 1
No loss of protective sensation on the affected foot detected, defined as the presence
of sensory modalities described below.
GRADE 2
Loss of protective sensation on the affected foot is defined as the absence of

perception of the one of the following tests in the affected foot:

Absent
pressure sensation, determined with a 10 gram Monofilament, on 2 out of 3

sites on the plantar side of the foot, as described in the International Consensus on
the Diabetic Foot; and/or

Absent
vibration sensation, (determined with a 128 Hz tuning fork) or vibration

threshold > 25 V, (using semi-quantitative techniques), both tested on the hallux.
APPENDICES
Note. From Classification of diabetic foot ulcers for research purposes, by N.C. Schaper, 2004, Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 20(Suppl 1),
S90-S95. Reprinted with permission.
116
Appendix H: Description of Foot Deformities

The following table provides the description for several foot deformities: hammer toe, claw toe, hallux deformity,
pes planus, pes cavus and charcot arthropathy.
DEFORMITY
DESCRIPTION
*Hammer Toe bent middle joint
With atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the foot,

especially the toe plantar flexors, the flexor/
extensor balance at the metatarso-phalangeal
joints is altered. This causes clawing at the toe
and possible subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joints. As a result, the submetatarsal
fat pads are displaced and there is reduced
pressure absorbing subcutaneous tissue at the
metatarsal heads. In addition, glycosalation
of collagen from hyperglycemia results in
thickened, waxy skin that affects joint mobility.
All these factors contribute to foot deformity
and ulcer risk (Bennett, Stocks & Whittam, 1996; Shaw &
Boulton, 1997).
*Claw Toe joint at base of toe is bent up and

middle joint is bent down
APPENDICES
117
DEFORMITY
* Halgus Valgus or Small Bunion (Mild/
Moderate) joint at the base of big toe
is pushed to the side
APPENDICES
** Hallus Valgus or Large Bunion (Severe)

big toe may move under second toe
118
DESCRIPTION
DEFORMITY
DESCRIPTION
Pes Planus (vs normal arch):
Pes planus produces flattening of the foot. Pes

planus feet have increased lateral talometatarsal
angle and increased second metatarsal length
(Ledoux et al., 2003). There are many reasons for
this condition, the first of which is heredity.
Many have this condition and never experience
problems of any kind.
However, others will have this condition created
through years in soft, unsupportive shoes on
hard surfaces, injury, pregnancy, or other factors.
A broad band of fibrous connective tissue,
called the longitudinal ligament, causes the
arch in the foot. A ligament is nothing more
than connective tissue that connects bone to
bone. The longitudinal ligament connects the
metatarsal phalangeal joints to the os calcis or
heel bone. Like a string on a bow, they hold
the two ends together and create an arch. This
arch is a shock absorption structure and it also
helps to maintain all the tarsals in proper erect
anatomic position. As this arch decreases, impact
from the concrete becomes worse.
APPENDICES
When the arch ligament stretches or tears, the

arch falls. If it falls far enough, the tarsals may
begin to shift to the inside or create pronation
or a valgus (greater than 90 degree erect)
position at the ankle. This can cause problems in
the origin area (the metatarsals) or in the heel.
It also may cause pressure on the medial (inner)
knee and perhaps the hip and back. It is like
pulling the string on a marionette too tight, the
result is a kinked mass on one side. The human
body is much the same; place too much tension
on major muscle groups and the joints kink and
yell back.
119
DEFORMITY
DESCRIPTION
Pes Cavus (vs normal arch):
In pes cavus, the arch is abnormally high on

weight bearing. The heel is often tilted inwards
at the ankle (but not always). In many, the toes
will appear clawed. When not standing, the
front half of the foot (forefoot) will appear to
be dropped below the level of the rear foot.
APPENDICES
Ledoux et al. (2003) identified biomechanical

differences among pes planus and pes cavus feet
in persons with diabetes. They found pes cavus
feet had more prominent metatarsal heads,
bony prominences, hammer/claw toes, increased
hallux dorsiflexion and pes cavus decreased
hallux plantarflexion.
120
DEFORMITY
DESCRIPTION
*Charcot Arthropathy (vs normal arch):
One in 680 people with diabetes develop Charcot

joint with an incidence of 9 to 12% individuals
with documented diabetic peripheral neuropathy
(Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2002). Charcot joint is a form
of neuroarthropathy that occurs most often in
the foot. Nerve damage from diabetes causes
decreased sensation, muscle and ligamental
atrophy and subsequent joint instability. The
charcot joint process can affect many areas of the
foot. Most commonly it affects the Lisfranc joint
(tarsometatarsal) region. The deformity in this
area manifests as the typical rocker bottom type
foot. The second most commonly affected area is
the rear foot, or the talar-navicular region. The
ankle joint and forefoot are more rarely involved.
It is also important to note that charcot may affect
more than one region of the foot, and these
different areas may each be at a different stage
of the progression of the deformity. Walking on
this insensitive and weakened joint can cause
even more damage to the foot structure.
APPENDICES
In the acute stage there is inflammation and

bone reabsorption that destroys the bone. In
later stages, the arch falls and the foot may
develop a rocker bottom appearance. Weight
distribution of the sole is altered causing
deformities leading to pressure points that
enhance ulcer development. Signs of charcot
arthopathy include swelling of the foot and
leg, changes in the shape of the foot or ankle,
feeling of instability, crunching feelings or
sounds, and marked increase in temperature of
the foot. Symptoms include pain or discomfort,
pain at rest and burning sensations. It is
important that the charcot foot is recognized
early so that appropriate treatment of the foot
can be provided to prevent further injury and
promote a stable foot (Lavery et al., 1998).
For patient information on charcot arthropathy,
visit http://rnao.ca/bpg/guidelines/assessmentand-management-foot-ulcers-people-diabetes
121
DEFORMITY
DESCRIPTION
Limited Joint Mobility
Progressive stiffening of collagen-containing

tissues leads to thickening of the skin, loss
of joint mobility, and potential fixed flexor
deformity. Up to 30% of people with diabetes
may have limited joint mobility. Reduction in
mobility of the ankle joint may cause increased
plantar pressure when walking and be a major
risk factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot
ulcers (Fernando, Masson, Veves & Boulton, 1991; Zimny, Schatz
& Pfohl, 2004). Achilles tendon contracture is a
common cause of limited joint mobility causing
increased pressure on the forefoot during
ambulation (Armstrong, Lavery & Bushman, 1998; Mueller,
Sinacore, Hastings, Strube & Johnson, 2004).
APPENDICES
Above illustrations provided by Nancy A. Bauer, BA, Bus Admin, RN, ET.
* Reference: Diabetes Nursing Interest Group & RNAO, (2004). Diabetes foot: Risk assessment education program. Images of the diabetic foot. Toronto:
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/bpg/guidelines/resources/diabetes-foot-risk-assessment-education-program
122
Appendix I:
Diagnostic Tests to Determine Vascular Supply
DIAGNOSTIC
TEST
DESCRIPTION
Arterial Duplex
Scan
Non-invasive
ultrasound test that can identify macro- and microvascular

changes in the arterial tree.
Used
to diagnose aneurysm and large vessel stenosis >50%.
Patients
with suspected superficial artery stenosis and claudication

may undergo duplex scanning to identify a lesion that is amenable
to angioplasty, before subjected to angiogram (Sales, Goldsmith & Veith 1994;
Cao et al., 2011).
Non-invasive
arterial duplex scan as having sensitivityG and specificity rates

greater than 90% (Kravitz, McGuire & Shanahan, 2003).
Continuous
Wave Doppler
Old
technology. It is highly recommended to use in conjunction with duplex

imaging to visualize the arteries (Cao et al., 2011).
Plethysmography
Records
the pulse volume recording another old tool that can establish
diagnosis with limited accuracy (Cao et al., 2011).
May
be a initial diagnostic tool for persons with diabetes that do not have
compressible arteries but should be used in conjuction with duplex scan
(Cao et al., 2011).
APPENDICES
123
DIAGNOSTIC
TEST
DESCRIPTION
Transcutaneous
Oxygen (TcpO2)
Measures
absolute oxygen partial pressure in the dermis. According to

Goldman and Salcido (2002), TcpO2 less than 20 mmHg gives a guarded
prognosis for healing.
40
mmHg is a good indication for healing (Goldman & Salcido, 2002).
T
pO2 should be measured on upper leg and dorsum of the foot for
c
best results.
Areas
of callus, edema or bony prominences produce inaccurate results.
Valuable
for evaluating perfusion and is a good predictor of amputation

in the lower limbs (Adler, Boyko, Ahroni & Smith, 1999; Ballard, Eke, Bunt & Killeen, 1995; Lehto,
Ronnemaa, Pyorala & Laakso, 1996; Mayfield, Reiber, Sanders, Janisse & Pogach, 1998; Pecoraro, Ahroni,
Boyko & Stensel, 1991; Reiber, Pecoraro & Koepsell, 1992).
T
pO2 < 30 mmHg was an independent predictor of diabetic foot ulceration
(McNeely et al., 1995).
Toe and Ankle

Pressures
Systolic
toe and ankle pressures are measured with a fitted occluding cuff
placed most often around the base of the first toe and around both ankles.
Toe
pressure of > 45 mmHg is necessary for optimal healing (Apelqvist, Castenfors,
Larsson, Stenstrom & Agardh, 1989; Frykberg et al., 2000).

Most
patients with toe blood pressures > 30mmHg healed with conservative
management (Apelqvist et al., 1989; Kalani, Brismar, Fagrell, Ostergren & Jorneskog, 1999; Royal
Melbourne Hospital, 2002).
With
ankle pressures < 80mmHg, most patients had an amputation or died

before healing occurred (Apelqvist et al., 1989).
Kalani
et al. (1999) suggests a cut-off of 25mmHg for TcpO2 and 30mmHg

for toe blood pressure as predictors of wound healing, with TcpO2 being
the better predictor in patients with diabetes and chronic foot ulcers. Toe
pressures, however, may be more technically and economically feasible.
pressures for persons with diabetes were more reliable than persons
with false negative ABPIs and lower limb neuropathy (Cao et al., 2011).
APPENDICES
Toe
124
DIAGNOSTIC
TEST
DESCRIPTION
Ankle-Brachial
Pressure Index
(ABPI)
ABPI
or ratio of systolic blood pressure in the lower extremity to blood

pressure in the arm is a common clinical measure of reduced circulation
(Boyko et al., 1999; Cao et al., 2011).
First
line of assessment for diagnosing vascular status though insensitive

to determine the extent of occlusive disease compared to angiography
(Cao et al., 2011).
This
should not be the sole diagnostic test performed (Cao et al., 2011).
In
the diabetic population, ABPI results can be unreliable (falsely negative;

for example ABPI > 1.2) due to calcification of the arterial vessels (Apelqvist
et al., 1989; Cao et al., 2011).
CAUTION:
This should not be the sole diagnostic test performed.
In
persons with diabetes, ABPI results can be unreliable (falsely negative) due
to calcification of the arterial vessels (Apelqvist et al., 1989; Cao et al., 2011). Sensitivity
(63-100%) and specificity (85-97%) were reported for persons with diabetes
(Cao et al., 2011).
Angiography
Sensitivity
(92-98%) and specificity (88-98%) is high for all 3 types

of angiography (Cao et al., 2011).

Diagnosing
magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

Contraindicated for persons with metal foreign implants
(ie. pacemaker, aneurism clips, orthopedic screws, pin, etc.)

Computed
tomography, angiography (CTA)

Exposure to nephrotoxic contrast medium (Cao et al., 2011).
Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

Gold standard and traditional diagnostic tool. Potential for catheter
puncture complications though risk is low 0.7% risk (Cao et al., 2011).
APPENDICES
125
References:
Adler, A. I., Boyko, E. J., Ahroni, J. H., & Smith, D. G. (1999). Lower-extremity amputation in diabetes:
The Independent effects of peripheral vascular disease, sensory neuropathy, and foot ulcers. Diabetes Care, 22(7),
1029-1037.
Apelqvist, J., Castenfors, J., Larsson, J., Stenstrm, A., & Agardh, C.-D. (1989). Prognostic value of systolic ankle and
toe blood pressure levels in outcome of diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetes Care, 12(6), 373-378.
Ballard, J., Eke, C., Bunt, T. J., & Killeen, J. D. (1995). A prospective evaluation of transcutaneous oxygen
measurements in the management of diabetic foot problems. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 22(4), 485-492.
Boyko, E. J., Ahroni, J. H., Stensel, V., Forsberg, R. C., Davignon, D. R., & Smith, D. G. (1999). A prospective study
of risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers: The Seattle diabetic foot study. Diabetes Care, 22(7), 1036-1042.
Cao, P., Ecksteinb, H., De Rangoc, P., Setaccid, C., Riccoe, J., de Donatof, G., et al. (2011). Chapter II: Diagnostic
Methods. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 42(S2), S13S32.
Frykberg, R. G., Armstrong, D. G., Giurini, J., Edwards, A., Kravette, M., Kravitz, S. et al. (2000). Diabetic foot
disorders: A clinical practice guideline. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons [Electronic version].
Available: http://www.acfas.org/diabeticcpg.html
Goldman, R. J. & Salcido, R. (2002). More than one way to measure a wound: An overview of tools and techniques.
Advances in Skin and Wound Care, 15(5), 236-245.
Kalani, M., Brismar, K., Fagrell, B., Ostergren, J., & Jorneskog, G. (1999). Transcutaneous oxygen tension and toe
blood pressure as predictors for outcome of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes Care, 22(1), 147-151.
Kravitz, S., McGuire, J., & Shanahan, S. D. (2003). Phsyical assessment of the diabetic foot. Advances in Skin and
Wound Care, 16(2), 68-75.
Lehto, S., Ronnemaa, T., Pyorala, K., & Laakso, M. (1996). Risk factors predicting lower extremity amputations in
patients with NIDDM. Diabetes Care, 19(6), 607-612.
Mayfield, J. A., Reiber, G. E., Sanders, L. J., Janisse, D., & Pogach, L. M. (1998). Preventive foot care in people with
diabetes. Diabetes Care, 21(12), 2161-2177.
McNeely, M., Boyko, E., Ahroni, J., Stensel, V., Reiber, G., Smith, D. et al. (1995). The independent contributions of
diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy in foot ulceration: How great are the risks? Diabetes Care, 18(2), 216-219.
APPENDICES
Pecoraro, R. E., Ahroni, J. H., Boyko, E. J., & Stensel, V. L. (1991). Chronology and determinants of tissue repair in
diabetic lower-extremity ulcers. Diabetes, 40(10), 1305-1313.
Reiber, G. E., Pecoraro, R. E., & Koepsell, T. D. (1992). Risk factors for amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus:
A case-control study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 117(2), 97-105.
Royal Melbourne Hospital. (2002). Evidence based guidelines for the inpatient management of acute diabetes
related foot complications. Melbourne Health [Electronic version]. Available: http://www.mh.org.au/
ClinicalEpidemiology/new_files/Foot%20guideline%20supporting.pdf
Sales, C., Goldsmith, J., & Veith, F. J. (1994). Handbook of Vascular Surgery. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishing.
126
Appendix J: Wound Swabbing Technique

Collecting swab specimens using Levines technique provides a reasonably accurate measure of wound bioburden
(Gardner et al., 2006). Obtain a wound culture when clinical signs and symptoms of infection are present.
Technique:
Use
sterile cotton-tipped swab and culture medium in a pre-packaged collection and transport system.
Community nurses should not allow transport medium to freeze or become overheated in the car before using it.
Thoroughly
Do
rinse wound with normal saline (non-bacteristatic).
not swab pus, exudate, hard eschar or necrotic tissue.
Rotate
the swab tip in a 1cm2 area of clean granulation tissue for a period of 5 seconds, using enough pressure
to release tissue exudate. This may be painful so warn the patient of the possibility of pain and pre-medicate with
analgesia if possible.
Remove protective cap from culture medium and insert cotton-tipped applicator into the culture medium without
contaminating the applicator.

Transport
to the laboratory at room temperature within 24 hours.
Note: In Ontario, the Ontario Medical Laboratories Technologies Act, 1991 requires a health-care practitioners order to process the culture.
Note. From Clinical Practice Policy and Procedure 16.2.3. Semi Quantitative Wound Swab Sample Culturing Technique,
by C. Harris and Care Partners/ET NOW, 2000. Reprinted with permission.
Bibliography:
Dow, G., Browne, A. & Sibbald, G. (1999). Infection in chronic wounds: Controversies in diagnosis and treatment.
Herruzo-Cabrera, R., Vizcaino-Alcaide, M. J., Pinedo-Castillo, C. & Rey-Calero, J. (1992). Diagnosis of local
infection of a burn by semiquantitative culture of the eschar surface. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 13(6),
639-641.
APPENDICES
127
Appendix K:
Use of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament
Directions for use of Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament
1. Assess integrity of monofilament (no bends/breaks).
2. Show the monofilament to the client. Place the end of the monofilament on his/her hand or arm to show that
the testing procedure will not hurt.
3. Ask the client to turn his/her head and close his/her eyes or look at the ceiling.
4. Hold the monofilament perpendicular to the skin
.
skin
monofilament
Place tip on sole of foot...
...bend...
...and release.
5. Place the end of the monofilament on the sole of the foot. Ask the client to say yes when he/she feels you
touching his/her foot with the monofilament. DO NOT ASK THE CLIENT did you feel that? If the client
does not say yes when you touch a given testing site, continue on to another site. When you have completed
the sequence, RETEST the area(s) where the client did not feel monofilament.
6. Push the monofilament until it bends, then hold for 1 to 3 seconds.
7. Lift the monofilament from the skin. Do not brush or slide along the skin.
8. Repeat the sequence randomly at each testing site on the foot (see pictures below).
Sites on the sole of the foot for monofilament testing
Loss of protective sensation = absent sensation at one or more sites
APPENDICES
Right
Foot
Left
Foot
Notes
Apply only to intact skin. Avoid calluses, ulcerated or scarred areas. DO NOT use a rapid or tapping movement.
If
the monofilament accidentally slides along the skin, retest that area later in the testing sequence.
the monofilament according to the manufacturers instructions.
Clean the monofilament according to agency infection control protocols.
Store
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). (2007). Reducing foot complications for people with diabetes.
Toronto, Canada: Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
128
Appendix L:
Suggestions for Assessing and Selecting Shoes
and Socks
Shoes
Shoes
should be comfortable and should match the shape of your foot.

both feet measured each time shoes are bought. Feet will get longer and wider with age.
Buy new shoes late in the day since feet often swell or enlarge during the day. Buy shoes to fit the larger foot
if there is a difference.
Shoes should fit 10 to 12 mm beyond the longest toe.
Choose shoes with a wide and deep toe box.
When buying shoes, wear the type of socks that you will be wearing with those shoes.
Buy shoes with laces or velcro closures. These provide more support, distribute pressure around the sides
and top, and allow adjustment for swelling.
Shoes should have good non-skid soles, closed toes and heels, with no ridges, wrinkles or seams in the linings
(good running shoes or walking shoes are recommended).
Avoid slip-on shoes, shoes with pointed toes and sandals, especially sandals with thongs between the toes.
Do not wear shoes with heels higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) as they increase pressure on the metatarsal heads.
Begin wearing new shoes gradually. Inspect the feet after each hour of wearing time for areas of redness that
indicate potential problems.
Do not wear any shoes longer than 6 hours without removing. Each pair of shoes fits differently and distributes
pressure differently.
Check shoes before wearing for small stones or puckered or bunched up areas.
If shoes have caused a foot problem, they should no longer be worn.
Have
Socks
Wear
APPENDICES
clean socks everyday. Cotton or wool is best to absorb perspiration.

Socks should fit well. Avoid tight elastic at the top.
If wearing knee-high hosiery, ensure it has a wide band at the top.
Check socks for irritation or bunching. Avoid seams if possible.
Do not wear mended socks as they may cause an area of pressure.
Do not wear socks with holes as they may cause an area of friction.
Adapted from:
International Diabetes Federation (2005). Diabetes and Foot Care A Time to Act. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/webdata/docs/T2A_Introduction.pdf
International Diabetes Group & International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. In Lorimer, D. L., French, G. J., ODonnell, M., Burrow, J. G., & Wall, B.
(2006). Neales Disorder of the Foot. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Zangaro, G. A. & Hull, M. M. (1999). Diabetic neuropathy: Pathophysiology and prevention of foot ulcers. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 13(2), 57-65.
129
Appendix M: Offloading Devices

The selection of the appropriate offloading device is based on the following considerations:
The
ability to effectively remove all pressures from the ulcer site;

of the device;
Ease and skill required for the application of the device;
Characteristics of the diabetic ulceration; and
The ability to encourage client adherence.
Cost-effectiveness
All offloading devices will alter the clients gait. This may place them at high risk for falling. It is very important to
provide the client with an appropriate gait aid and proper gait training to ensure this risk is minimized. There are also
devices available to place on the opposite shoe in order to correct any leg length discrepancy that often occurs with
the application of a Total Contact Cast, Air Cast or other offloading shoes.
OFFLOADING DEVICE
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
TOTAL CONTACT CAST (TCC)
Highest
Requires
A well-molded minimally
padded cast that maintains
contact with the entire aspect
of the foot and lower leg
healing rates
(gold standard)
Distributes
pressure over
the entire plantar surface
Completely
offloads
Protects
foot from infection
Controls
edema
Maintains
patient
adherence as it is
non-removable
trained technician
Cannot
assess foot on a
daily basis
Affects
sleeping and
bathing
Exacerbates
postural
instability or causes
poor balance
Cannot
use if wound
infected
be used in the
neuro-ischemic limb
APPENDICES
Cannot
SCOTCHCAST BOOT
Lighter
with high integral

strength
A fiberglass boot that reduces

pressure over the wound
Removable
for examination
Can
be non-removable for
poorly adherent patients
Promotes
continued
ambulation
130
If
removable poor
adherence
Has
not yet been compared

in studies to other forms of
offloading for efficacy
OFFLOADING DEVICE
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
REMOVABLE WALKER
Easily
Removable
A commercially available
removable boot that reduces
plantar pressures
Allows
removable allowing
wound inspection and
treatment
more comfortable
bathing and sleeping
nature of cast
reduces adherence
No
clinical data to support

its efficacy compared to TCC
Can
be used for infected

wounds and superficial
ulcers
Can
be made irremovable
HALFSHOES
Inexpensive
Less
Offer support only under the

rear and mid-foot
Easy
Hampers
HEALING SANDALS
Limit
to apply
dorsiflexion, therefore
distributes pressure of
metatarsal heads
Lightweight
effective than TCC

gait
Not
as efficient compared
to other methods of
offloading
and stable
Reusable
MABAL SHOE
Removable
Cross between healing sandal

and TCC
Better
(inspection)
contact with foot

than healing sandal
Comparative
rates of
healing with TCC
Inexpensive
Bilayered felted foam over the

plantar surface with opening
for the wound
Accessible
(reduces
adherence)
Expertise
required
to make and apply
Requires
skilled health
professional
Can
increase pressure and

shear at wound edges if
not properly applied and
monitored
Frequent
APPENDICES
FELTED FOAM
Removable
changes
No
studies to suggest its

efficacy in offloading
131
OFFLOADING DEVICE
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
CRUTCHES, WALKERS,
AND WHEELCHAIRS
If
Requires
Rentable
May
used consistently
will offload pressure
upper body
strength and endurance
not be used all

the time
Difficulty
in navigating
indoors
Can
increase pressures
on contralateral side
THERAPEUTIC FOOTWEAR
DEPTH INLAY SHOES
Beneficial
in preventing
ulcerations, NOT healing
No
proof of efficacy in
healing ulcers
Allow
up to 900% more
pressure in forefoot than
TCC and removable walker
Can
be used in feet with

severe Charcot deformity
to accommodate rocker
bottom foot
APPENDICES
CROW CHARCOT RESTRAINT

ORTHOTIC WALKER
132
Costly
Removable
Requires
physician/specialist
to prescribe
Bibliography:
Armstrong, D. G. & Lavery, L. A. (1998). Evidence-based options for off-loading diabetic wounds. Clinics in Podiatric
Medicine and Surgery, 15(1), 95-105.
Armstrong, D. G, Lavery, L. A., Kimbriel, H. R., Nixon, B. P., & Boulton, A. J. M. (2003). Activity patterns of patients
with diabetic foot ulceration. Diabetes Care, 26(9), 2595-2597.
Armstrong, D. G., Nguyen, H. C., Lavery, L. A., Van Schie, C. H. M., Boulton, A. J. M., &Harkless, L. B. (2001).
Off-Loading the diabetic foot wound: A randomized clinical trial. Diabetes Care, 24(6), 1019-1022.
In D. L. Krasner, G. T. Rodehaver, & R. G. Sibbald (Eds.), Chronic wound care: A clinical resource book for healthcare
professionals, (pp. 599-615). Wayne, PA: HMP Communications.
alternative off-loading methods in patients with diabetes mellitus. Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 15(5), 210-215.
pressure at the site of neuropathic ulcers. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 87(10), 466-472.
Knowles, E. A., Armstrong, D. G., Hayat, S. A., Khawaja, K. I., Malik, R. A., & Boulton, A. J. M. (2002). Offloading
Zimny, S., Schatz, H., & Pfoh, U. (2003). The effects of applied felted foam on wound healing and healing times
in the therapy of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes Medicine, 20(8), 622-625.
APPENDICES
133
Appendix N: Clinic Assessment Tool

The following is an example of an interprofessional assessment tool that may be used within a clinic setting.
Interprofessional Diabetes Foot Ulcer Team

310 Wellington Road, London N6C 4P4
Initial Assessment Form - Clinic

PRESENTING PROBLEM
Site: ______________________________________ _______
Duration (weeks):_______________________________________
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR SUPPLY

History of vascular symptoms: None
Intermittent claudication
Rest pain
Insufficient activity to elicit symptoms
Edema
Previous hospitalizations for vascular specific issues
Colour:
Normal
Cyanosis
Erythema
Pallor on limb elevation
Rubor on limb dependency
Mottling
Temperature gradient:
Normal
R/prox distal _______________________________________
L/prox distal _______________________________________
Pulses palpable (tick if yes) :
Left foot: DP PT
Right foot: DP PT
Vascular risk/PAD
PT
DP PPG Brachial
ABI
TBI
R/F
L/F
Date: ___________________
Patient name:______________________________________
Date of birth:_________________
Cause: __________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Capillary refill:
R/great toe <1sec 1-3 sec >3 sec
L/great toe <1sec 1-3 sec >3 sec
Integumentary changes:
Normal
Skin atrophy
Abnormal wrinkling
Absence of hair growth Nail growth abnormal:______
Dry gangrene
Skin examination:
Appearance (colour, texture, turgor, quality, dryness):
________________________ Normal
Presence of callus (discoloration/sub callus bleeding):
________________________
Interdigital lesions
Tinea pedis
Other____________________________
REFERRAL CRITERIA FOR VASCULAR SURGERY CONSULT:
Foot ulcer
Pulses impalpable
ABI< 0.9; TBI< 0.6
Date contacted Dr. De Rose:_________________________
Next step: ________________________________________
APPENDICES
Collected by Clinician: _________________________________________ Signed:_____________________________________

NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOOTWEAR EXAMINATION:
Sensory:
Type of shoe (athletic, oxford, comfort etc..): ____________________
Monofilament(10g, /4): L:
R: ___________
Fit:___________________________________________________
Graduated Tuning Fork: L:
R:___________
Depth of toe box:
Neurological risk/LOPS
Enough room for toes Not enough depth
Autonomic:
Normal
___________________________________________________
Dry scaly skin
Shoewear:__________________________________________
Lining wear: ________________________________________
Maceration between toes
Foreign bodies inside shoe:____________________________
Loss of hair growth
Devices eg. orthotics:_________________________________
Thickened toenails
Motor:
Normal
MUSCULOSKELETAL EXAMINATION:
Range of motion: tick if abnormal
Biomechanical assessment:
st
Ankle Sub talar joint R/ 1 ray
Clinician:_______________________ Signed:_______________
L/ 1st ray
Heel Contact:
R/Big toe L/Big toe
Mid Stance:
Other_____________________
Deep tendon reflexes: tick if absent
Normal
Heel lift:
Patellar
Achilles
Toe off:
Description:
134
PATIENT NAME
Date:
FOOT FUNCTION: High foot pressures (>6kg/cm)
Limited joint mobility

Normal
Foot deformity:
None
Muscle Group strength testing (Passive, active, weight bearing
Nail:_______________________________________
and non-weight bearing) Abnormalities: _____________
Joint:______________________________________
_______________________________________________
Prior amputation
Tendo-achilles contractures/equinus
Foot drop
Intrinsic muscle atrophy
Other________________________________________________________________________
ULCER CLASSIFICATION: Neuropathic
Neuroischemic
Ischemic
Other __________________
Comments:
MENTAL/PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS:
Capable of Consent?
Yes No
Are you currently experiencing any difficulties in your personal or family life (e.g., relationship problems, depression, eating disorder, or other
health problems) that might interfere with your ability to manage your foot care?
During the past month. Have you been often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless? YES NO
Have you often been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things? (note: often means almost every day) YES NO
If yes to either question refer to psychology
ULCER ASSESSMENT:
Location:___________________________________________
Length ________cm Width__________cm Depth________ cm
Wound base:
Granulation Tissue ____ %; Necrotic (Slough/eschar) ______ % Epithelium _____ %
Necrotic tissue type (hard black, soft grey eschar, yellow slough):__________________________
Integrity of Granulation tissue (bright red, pale, friable, dull dusky red):______________________
Edges (advancing, attached, not attached, rolled, fibrotic, callus): ___________________________
Exudate: None Light Moderate Heavy
PAIN: Numerical Rating Scale (0 10): RF
/10 LF
/10
What triggers pain________________________________________________________

What soothes pain: _______________________________________________________
Location:________________________________________________________________
Describe: Sharp shooting dull, aching
_____C
_____C
_____C
_____C
Other ______________
R _____ C
R _____ C
R _____ C
R _____ C
Diff:_____ C
Diff:_____ C
Diff:_____ C
Diff:_____ C
APPENDICES
TEMPERATURES:
Location:_______________________ L
Location:_______________________ L
Location:_______________________ L
Location:_______________________ L
burning
WOUND TRACING
Clinician:__________________________________________________ Signed:_______________________________________
Created on 1/11/2011 6:31:00 PM
Page 2 of 4
135
PATIENT NAME
Date:
PEDIS WOUND
CLASSIFICATION:
SOFT TISSUE INFECTION:

No clinical signs or symptoms
P: Grade: 1
Clinical signs and symptoms of mild (PEDIS level 2) infection:

Clinical signs and symptoms of moderate (PEDIS level 3) infection.
Severe (PEDIS level 4) infection
POTENTIAL FOR ULCER TO HEAL:
2 3
E: Area: _______cm2
D: Grade: 1 2 3
I: Grade: 1
2 3 4
S: Grade: 1
TREATMENTS:
Cut and filed nails: _______________________________________________________________________________

Debridement: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Other: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Clinician: ___________________________________________________________ Signed:_________________________________________
Physiotherapist notes:
Orthotist notes:
Print name:______________________Signed:______________
Print name:______________________Signed:______________
DRESSINGS:
FREQUENCY OF DRESSING CHANGES:
Primary: ___________________________________________
daily every 2nd day twice a week once a week
Secondary: _________________________________________
DRESSINGS TO BE CHANGED BY:
Fixation: ___________________________________________
patient family member ___________ nurse
PRESSURE REDISTRIBUTION:
Walker. Type ______________________________
Felt to foot: describe: _______________________________
TCC
Post op rocker sole slipper
Other ________________________________________
APPENDICES
Notes:
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN RE: WOUNDCARE
Dressing changes
Keeping wound dry
Patient information brochure provided
Reducing weight bearing activity

How to identify if infection develops & what to do
Other________________________________________________________________
Created on 1/11/2011 6:31:00 PM
136
Page 3 of 4
PATIENT NAME
Date:
REFERRALS: Orthopaedic surgeon

CCAC for wound care
Vascular Surgeon
Social Work
Psychology
Other __________________________________
EDUCATION: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
CORRESPONDENCE:
FOLLOW-UP: Next Available
Family Physician:_______________________________________
Wound Nurse:_________________________________________
________months
Other: ______________________________________________
____ weeks
PRN
D/C
Notes:
By clinician_______________________Signed____________________
APPENDICES
Created on 1/11/2011 6:31:00 PM
Page 4 of 4
Note. From Interprofessional Diabetes Foot Ulcer Team Foot specific Initial Assessment Form, by R. Ogrin and Interprofessional Diabetes Foot Ulcer Team,
2009. Reprinted with permission.
137
Appendix O: Optional Treatment Modalities

The RNAO expert panel has identified biological agents, adjunctive therapies and surgery as treatment options for
foot ulcers that do not heal at the expected rate. While many of the suggested treatment options are beyond of scope
of nursing, the RNAO expert panel was inclusive of potential treatment options available in an interprofessional
environment.
Biologic Agents and Associated Evidence

BIOLOGIC AGENTS
DESCRIPTION AND EVIDENCE
Growth Factors
RECOMBINANT HUMAN PLATELET DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR

(BB/PDGF) REGRANEX
Becaplermin
gel, also known as Regranex, is a type of growth factor.
The
biological activity of becaplermin is similar to that of naturallyoccurring PDGF, which promotes chemotaxis and the proliferation
of cells involved in the wound repair process (Smiell, 1998).
Topical
application of becaplermin gel promotes wound bed

vascularization.
EVIDENCE:
Four multicentre, randomized group studies found that one topical
application of becaplermin gel daily in conjunction with appropriate
ulcer care was effective and well-tolerated in clients with full-thickness,
lower extremity diabetic ulcers (Smiell et al., 1999).
Bioactive Agents/
Emerging
Pharmacotherapeutics
(not publicly available
at the time of guideline
publication)
CHRYSALIN (RUSALATIDE ACETATE OR TP508)

Chrysalin,
or TP508, is a 23-amino acid peptide similar to the sequence

of amino acids in human thrombin, a clotting factor (Fife et al., 2007).
Unlike
thrombin, Chrysalin does not have enzymatic properties and is

not involved with blood coagulation (Fife et al., 2007).
may improve the rate of wound healing and closure in
chronic ulcers (Fife et al., 2007).
APPENDICES
Chrysalin
EVIDENCE:
In a phase I and phase II placebo-controlled trial of 60 people with
diabetic foot ulcers, 10 g of Chrysalin applied topically, twice weekly,
improved tissue repair and increased wound closure (Fife et al., 2007).
138
BIOLOGIC AGENTS

IMMUNOKINE (WF10)
Immunokine,
or WF10, is an aqueous solution of the chlorite drug

OXO-K993 given intravenously to treat chronic inflammatory disorders
(Yingsakmongkol, Maraprygsavan & Sukosit, 2011).
Topical
application of WF10 has been shown to improve wound

healing and enhance granulation tissue formation in various types
of wounds (Yingsakmongkol et al., 2011).
EVIDENCE:
Yingsakmongkol et al. (2011) conducted a randomized controlled trial
to evaluate the effect of WF10 as an adjunct to the standard treatment
of diabetic foot ulcers. The addition of WF10 to standard wound care
significantly enhanced the formation of granulation tissue, and reduced
infection, inflammation, necrotic tissue, and overall wound severity score
(Yingsakmongkol et al., 2011).
APPENDICES
139
Adjunctive Therapies and Associated Evidence

TYPE OF
ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY
Electric Stimulation
Electrical
stimulation involves applying a low level electrical current

to the base of the wound or peri-wound using conductive electrodes.
This
procedure should be performed by trained health-care

professionals.
EVIDENCE:
A meta-analysis by Foster, Smith, Taylor, Zinkie and Houghton (2004) of
17 randomized controlled trials showed that electrical stimulation was
effective in treating chronic wounds. Included in this analysis were three
trials with clients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Extracorporeal Shock
Wave Treatment (ESWT)
ESWT
is a new technology using shockwaves to treat chronic, painful

conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
A
shockwave is an intense and short energy wave traveling faster

than the speed of sound.
EVIDENCE:
Wang et al. (2009) conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial
to evaluate the efficacy of ESWT in chronic diabetic foot ulcers compared
to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The ESWT group showed 31% healing
versus 22% in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group.
Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy (HBOT)
Subatmospheric
oxygen is delivered through a hyperbaric chamber

and inhaled by the client.
HBOT
increases oxygen tension in the tissues.
EVIDENCE:
APPENDICES
The routine management of diabetic foot ulcers with HBOT is not

justified by the evidence found in the systematic review conducted
by Kranke, Bennett and Roeckl-Wiedmann (2004). Although HBOT
significantly reduced the risk of major amputation and may improve
the probability of wound healing at 1 year, economic evaluations should
be undertaken. With methodological shortcomings and poor reporting
of the studies that were reviewed, Kranke et al. (2004) caution that any
benefit from HBOT will need to be examined further using rigorous
randomized trials.
140
TYPE OF
ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY
Negative Pressure
Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Subatmospheric
pressure is delivered to the wound by a dressing

covered with a clear membrane.
The
dressing is attached to a pump that delivers intermittent or

continuous suction within a prescribed range of settings.
EVIDENCE:
The RNAO expert panel reached consensus to support the Health
Quality Ontario: Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee
(OHTAC, 2010) in recommending NPWT as an effective treatment
option in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. The OHTAC (2010)
review of randomized controlled trials found evidence that:

The
proportion of clients who achieved complete wound closure

was significantly higher in the NPWT group than the control group.

The
duration of therapy and median time to complete ulcer closure

was shorter in the NPWT group than the control group.

The
decrease in wound area from baseline was significantly greater

in the NPWT group than the control group.
APPENDICES
141
Surgeries and Associated Evidence

SURGERY
Achilles Tendon
Lengthening
Achilles
Tendon Lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves

lengthening the tendon or attached calf muscle to reduce stress on
the foot.
This
procedure is effective at reducing ulcer recurrence in people with

diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and a plantar ulcer (Mueller et al., 2004).
EVIDENCE:
In a randomized clinical trial, Mueller et al. (2004) compared the effect
of total contact casting alone to total contact casting combined with
Achilles tendon lengthening in clients with diabetic foot ulcers. Outcome
measures included healing rates and ulcer re-occurrence at the 7-month
and 2-year follow-up. Although initial wound healing outcomes were
similar, a significant reduction in ulcer re-occurrence was noted in the
group with Achilles tendon lengthening at subsequent follow-up visits.
Other surgical
procedures
Surgery
for foot deformities in clients with diabetes can be beneficial

in preventing the re-occurrence of ulcers.
Options
include: arthroplasty, digital amputation, bunionectomy,

metatarsal osteotomy, ray resection, tendon tenotomy or
skin grafting.
Surgery
may not be a viable option for select populations with

impaired vascular supply.
EVIDENCE:
APPENDICES
To date, only anecdotal results are available.
142
Appendix P:
Debridement Decision-Making Algorithm
YES
SURGICAL /SHARP & MECHANICAL
NO
AUTOLYTIC
FAST
SURGICAL /SHARP
SLOW
AUTOLYTIC
LARGE
SURGICAL /SHARP
SMALL
AUTOLYTIC
THICK
THIN
AUTOLYTIC
LARGE
SMALL
AUTOLYTIC
DEMARCATED
SURGICAL /SHARP
NOT
DIFFERENTIATED
AUTOLYTIC
YES
NO
AUTOLYTIC
INFECTED WOUND
TIME TO ACCOMPLISH
DEBRIDEMENT
SIZE OF WOUND
TYPE OF EXUDATE
AMOUNT OF DEBRIS
TYPE OF DEBRIS
APPENDICES
POTENTIAL PROBLEM
TRAUMA TO WOUND BED
Rodd-Nielsen, E., Brown, J., Brooke, J., Fatum, H., Hill, M., Morin, J., St-Cyr, L., in Association with the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy
(CAET). Evidence-Based Recommendations for Conservative Sharp Debridement (2011).
143
Appendix Q: Topical Antimicrobial Agents

TOPICAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
AGENT
SAFE AND
EFFECTIVE
A. Cadexomer
iodine paste/
ointment
SPECTRUM
COMMENT
SA
MRSA
Strep
PS
Anaerobic
VRE

Broad
spectrum,
lower cytotoxicity

Effective
for fungi,
virus, bacteria*
B. Iodine in
polyethylene
glycol base
Tulle

Widely
available*

Requires
wound
contact*

Caution
if thyroid
medication*
Ionized Silver
(NB. Silver
dressings are
antiinflammatory)

Broad
spectrum,
lower cytotoxicity

Effective
for fungi,
virus, bacteria

Widely
available

Requires
wound
contact
Silver
Sulphadiazine
cream

Limited
potential
for resistance

Pseudo-eschar
may
delay healing
(re-epithelialization)

Requires
wound
APPENDICES
contact

Do
not use if sulfa

sensitive
Polymyxin B
Bacitracin cream/
ointment
144

Requires
wound
contact

Either
antibiotic
may be an allergen
TOPICAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

AGENT
SPECTRUM
SA
SELECTIVE USE
MRSA
Strep
PS
Metronidazole
Gel/lotion/cream
(antiinflammatory)
Benzyl Peroxide
gel/lotion
COMMENT
Anaerobic
VRE

Reserve

Reserve
for
anaerobes and
odour control
for MRSA/
other resistant Gram
positive organisms

May
Acetic Acid
be allergen

Use
0.5% /1% short

contact (5-10min)

Especially
pseudomonas/other
Gram negative
Mupuricin
cream/ointment
Povidine Iodine
solution

Should
be reserved
for MRSA

Use
with caution.
This agent has
moderate cytotoxic
activity

Use
Chlorhexidine
solution
APPENDICES
for maintenance
non healable wounds
*see other properties
above*

Use
for maintenance,
non healable wounds
145
AGENT
CAUTION
SPECTRUM
SA
MRSA
Strep
PS
Anaerobic
VRE
PolyHexaMethalen
Biguanide (PHMB)
foam, gauze,
ribbon
Gentamycin
cream/ointment
Fucidic Acid
cream/ointment
Polymixin B
Bacitracin
Neomycin
ointment
NOT
RECOMMENDED
COMMENT

Safer
than
chlohexadine

Caution
resistance:
Reserve for IV use

May
sensitize,
especially the
ointment
(lanolin base)

Potential
sensitizer,
especially neomycin

Cream
formulations
contain gramicidin
instead of bacitracin
Alcohol

Cytotoxic
Hydrogen
Peroxide

Weaker
Hypochlorite
solution
(Dakins/Hygeol)
with
antimicrobial action
than other
product choices
APPENDICES
Legend: (SA=Staphlococcus Aureus), (MRSA=Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus), (Strep=Streptococci), (PS=Pseudomonas), (F=Fungi Mucor, Aspergillus,
Candida Albicans, Candida Topicalis, Candida Glabrata, & Saccharomyces), (VRE=Vancomycin- Resistant Enterococci).
Reprinted with permission from Dr. R. G. Sibbald2013
146
Appendix R: A Guide to Dressing Foot Wounds

There is limited evidence demonstrating that any specific dressing type enhances the rate of wound healing for diabetic
foot ulcers. It is known, however, that a moist wound environment encourages rapid wound healing. Dressing
selection depends on a variety of factors, and may change as the wound and skin at the ulcer site changes. Factors
influencing dressing selection include wound type, wound depth, presence and volume of exudates, presence of
infection, surrounding skin conditions, likelihood of re-injury and cost. Dressings should not be applied in isolation,
but should be a part of a care plan consisting of debridement, pressure off-loading and when indicated, antibiotic
medications. It is important to note that dressings themselves can be a source of pressure. Care and caution should
be taken to ensure that the selected dressing does not increase pressure at the ulcer site. Furthermore, big and bulky
dressings, and donut-type devices should be avoided as they can decrease circulation to the area.
The following list of dressings is not exhaustive and are products commonly used in Ontario.
Note: Read the product monographs for specific details.
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
1.
Films/
membranes

Semipermeable
2.
Nonadherent
adhesive sheet;
impermeable
to water molecules
and bacteria

Sheets
of low
adherence to tissue

Nonmedicated
TISSUE
DEBRIDEMENT
INFECTION
MOISTURE
BALANCE
INDICATIONS/
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Moisture
vapour transmission
rate varies from film to film

Should
not be used on
draining or infected wounds*

Create
an occlusive barrier
against infection
tulles

Allow
drainage to seep
through pores to secondary
dressings

Facilitate
application of
topical medications
3.
Hydrogels

Polymers
with high
water content

Available
in gels,
solid sheets or
impregnated gauze
++
/+
++

Should
not be used on
draining wounds

Solid
sheets should not be

used on infected wounds
APPENDICES
147
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
4.
Hydrocolloids

May
contain
gelatine, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose,
polysaccharides
and/or pectin; sheet
dressings are occlusive
with a polyurethane
film outer layer
TISSUE
DEBRIDEMENT
INFECTION
MOISTURE
BALANCE
+++
/+
++
INDICATIONS/
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Use with care on fragile skin

Should
stay in place for

several days

Should
not be used on heavily

draining or infected wounds*

Create
an occlusive barrier
to protect the wound from
outside contamination

Odour
may accompany
dressing change and should
not be confused with infection
5.
Acrylics

Clear
acrylic pad
enclosed between
2 layers of transparent
adhesive film
+++
/+
++

Use
on low- to moderately
draining wounds where the
dressing may stay in place
for an extended time

May
observe wound without

changing
6.
Calcium
alginates

Sheets
or fibrous ropes
of calcium sodium
alginate (seaweed
derivative); have
hemostatic capabilities
++
+++

Should
not be used on dry

wounds

Low
tensile strength avoid

packing into narrow, deep
sinuses
APPENDICES

Bioreabsorbable
7.
Composite

Multilayered,
8.
Foams

Nonadhesive
or
adhesive polyurethane
foam; may have
occlusive backing;
sheets or cavity
packing; some have
fluid lock
9.
Charcoal
148
combination dressings
to increase absorbency
and autolysis

Contains
odourabsorbing charcoal
within product
+++

Use
+++

Use
on wounds where
dressings may stay in place
for several days*
on moderately to heavily
draining wounds

Occlusive
foams should not be

used on heavily draining
or infected wounds*

Some
charcoal products
are inactivated by moisture

Ensure
dressing edges
are sealed
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
10.
Hypertonic

Sheet, ribbon
or gel
impregnated with
sodium concentrate
TISSUE
DEBRIDEMENT
INFECTION
MOISTURE
BALANCE
++
INDICATIONS/
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Gauze
ribbon should not

be used on dry wounds

May
be painful on
sensitive tissue

Gel may be used on dry wounds
11.
Hydrophilic
fibres
12.
Antimicrobials
13.
Other devices

Sheet
or packing
strip of sodium
carboxymethylcellulose;
converts to a solid gel
when activated by
moisture (fluid lock)

Silver, iodides, PHMB,
honey aniline dyes

with vehicle for
delivery: sheets, gels,
alginates, foams or
paste

Negative-pressure
wound therapy applies

localized negative
pressure to the surface
and margins of wound
+++

Best
for moderate amount

of exudates

Should
not be used on dry

wounds

Low
tensile strength avoid

packing into the narrow,
deep sinus
+++

Broad
spectrum against
bacteria

Should
not to be used
on patients with known
hypersensitivities to any
product component
+++

This
negative pressuredistributing dressing actively

removes fluid from wound
and promotes wound edge
approximation

Advanced
skill required for

patient selection
14.
Biologics

Living
human
fibroblasts provided in
sheets at ambient or
frozen temperature;
extracellular matrix

Collagen-containing

Should
not be used on
wounds with infection, sinus
tracts or excessive exudate
or with patients known to
have hypersensitivity to any
of the product components

Cultural
issues related to
APPENDICES
preparations;
hyaluronic acid,
platelet-derived
growth factor
source

Advanced
skill required
for patient selection
Adapted from the CAWC.

* Use with caution if critical colonization is suspected.
no activity. + minimal activity. ++ moderate activity. +++ strong activity.
Note. From Special considerations in wound bed preparation 2011: An update (Part 2), by R.G. Sibbald, L. Goodman, K.Y. Woo, D. Krassner and H. Smart, 2012,
Wound Care Canada, 10(3), p. 25-33. Reprinted with permission.
149
Appendix S:
Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You Brochure
People with diabetes should take care of their feet and be aware of any changes. The Canadian Association of Wound
Care has developed the following tool (available in 16 languages) for people with diabetes to use.
Steps for Healthy Feet

General Health
1
2
3
Control your blood glucose levels.

If you smoke, quit.
Exercise daily as directed by your
healthcare professional.
Caring for Your Feet
2
3
4
Look for signs of redness or blisters

on your feet. This shows your shoe
may not fit properly.
Wash your feet daily. Dry well, especially
between your toes. Apply a moisturizer
to your feet but not between your toes.
Do not soak your feet.
If you are unable to reach your toes or
do not have feeling in your feet, have
a healthcare professional trim your
toenails for you.
Footwear
2
3
4
5
6
Shake out your shoes before you put

them on.
Wear shoes at all times, indoors and out.
Buy shoes with closed toes as they
protect your feet from injury.
Change your socks every day.
Buy shoes late in the day as feet tend
to swell.
Have your shoes professionally fitted by
a footwear specialist.
I will take care of my feet and make the

changes needed to help keep my feet healthy!
Date
SIGNatURe
1. What is my main problem?

2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?
National Patient Safety Foundation
Sign up online at
www.cawc.net/diabetesandhealthyfeet
to receive your FREE monthly tip.
150
Diabetes,
Healthy Feet
and You
Visit us to read personal stories about

foot care for people with diabetes, find a
foot care professional, find the answers to
frequently asked questions and more!
Canadian Association of Wound Care

642 King St., West Suite 200
Toronto, ON M5V 1M7
Tel: 416-485-2292 Toll-Free: 1-866-474-0125
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.cawc.net/diabetesandhealthyfeet
Production of materials has been made possible

through a financial contribution from the Public
Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed
herein do not necessarily represent the views of
the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This brochure is a guide only and should not be
used for any diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.
Specific medical concerns should be directly
handled by a qualified healthcare professional.
APPENDICES
This section is perforated for your

personal reference.
Make the most out

of your visit with your
healthcare professional by
asking these 3 questions:
How healthy are

YOUR feet?
Know the signs.
Are your feet

Numb, painful
or tingling?
Do your feet
feel like blocks
of wood?
Changing shape?
Is one foot
different than
the other?
Any change
is important.
Dry, callused
or cracked?
Do they
have sores
or blisters?
Please continue to check your

feet every day for any changes
or signs of injury.
If you have answered YES to any of
these questions, please see a healthcare
professional as soon as possible. Be
sure to tell him/her that you have
diabetes. Avoid using over-the-counter
treatments unless directed to by
a healthcare professional.
Have your healthcare professional

check your feet AT lEAST 1-2 times
per year or more if required.
What can I do?
If yes
If yes
If yes
Your Healthcare Professional Team

Chiropodists or Podiatrists: specialize
in treating foot diseases, disorders and
dysfunctions
Diabetes Educators: provide education
on diabetes, including foot care
Doctors: assist in diabetes management,
and some have specialized training in
foot care
Nurses: some have specialized training
in foot care
Orthotists / Prosthetists: specialize
in orthotic and prosthetic devices
Pedorthists: specialize in orthotics,
footwear and footwear modifications
Control your blood glucose levels.

Have a healthcare professional trim
your toenails and care for the skin
on your feet.
Have your shoes professionally
fitted.
Avoid too much walking.
Visit your healthcare professional
as soon as possible.
Have your shoes professionally
fitted.
Changes to your skin should be seen
by a healthcare professional.
Wash a sore or blister with warm water;
dry well, and cover with a bandage.
See a healthcare professional today.
Avoid walking on your foot as it heals.
Key Phone Numbers:

Chiropodist or Podiatrist
Diabetes educator
Doctor
Nurse
Orthotist / Prosthetist
Pedorthist
For more information, visit
www.cawc.net/diabetesandhealthyfeet
Note. From Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You, by the Canadian Association of Wound Care, 2012, [Brochure]. Copyright 2012 by Canadian Association of
Wound Care. Reprinted with permission.
APPENDICES
151
Appendix T:
Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) Tool 3.0
The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing tool (PUSH tool), which measures wound size, exudate and tissue type, has recently
been validated for diabetic foot ulcer healing by Gardner et al. (2009) and Hon et al. (2010). Gardner et al. (2009)
demonstrated that a person with a PUSH score of 10 would be expected to heal in 8.8 weeks versus a PUSH score
of four where healing was noted at 2.6 weeks. The tool is provided below.
Directions: Observe and measure the pressure ulcer. Categorize the ulcer with respect to surface area, exudate and
type of wound tissue. Record a sub-score for each of these ulcer characteristics. Add the sub-scores to obtain the total
score. A comparison of total scores measured over time provides an indication of the improvement or deterioration
in pressure ulcer healing.
LENGTH
X
WIDTH
0
0
(in cm2)
1
< 0.3
2
0.3 0.6
3
0.7 1.0
4
1.1 2.0
5
2.1 3.0
6
3.1 4.0
7
4.1 8.0
8
8.1 12.0
9
12.1 24.0
10
> 24.0
EXUDATE
AMOUNT
0
None
1
Light
2
Moderate
3
Heavy
TISSUE
TYPE
0
Closed
1
Epithelial
Tissue
2
Granulation
Tissue
3
Slough
Sub-score
Sub-score
4
Necrotic
Tissue
Sub-score
TOTAL SCORE
Length x Width: Measure the greatest length (head to toe) and the greatest width (side to side) using a centimeter ruler.
Multiply these two measurements (length x width) to obtain an estimate of surface area in square centimeters (cm2).
Caveat: Do not guess! Always use a centimeter ruler and always use the same method each time the ulcer is measured.
Exudate Amount: Estimate the amount of exudate (drainage) present after removal of the dressing and before
applying any topical agent to the ulcer. Estimate the exudate (drainage) as none, light, moderate or heavy.
APPENDICES
Tissue Type: This refers to the types of tissue that are present in the wound (ulcer) bed. Score as a 4 if there is any
necrotic tissue present. Score as a 3 if there is any amount of slough present and necrotic tissue is absent. Score as
a 2 if the wound is clean and contains granulation tissue. A superficial wound that is reepithelializing is scored as a
1. When the wound is closed, score as a 0.
4 Necrotic Tissue (Eschar): black, brown or tan tissue that adheres firmly to the wound bed or ulcer edges and
may be either firmer or softer than surrounding skin.
3 Slough: yellow or white tissue that adheres to the ulcer bed in strings or thick clumps, or is mucinous.
2 Granulation Tissue: pink or beefy red tissue with a shiny, moist, granular appearance.
1 Epithelial Tissue: for superficial ulcers, new pink or shiny tissue (skin) that grows in from the edges or as islands
on the ulcer surface.
0 Closed/Resurfaced: the wound is completely covered with epithelium (new skin).
152
Directions: Observe and measure pressure ulcers at regular intervals using the PUSH Tool. Date and record PUSH
Sub-scores and Total Scores on the Pressure Ulcer Healing Record below.
PRESSURE ULCER HEALING RECORD
DATE
LENGTH x WIDTH
EXUDATE AMOUNT
TISSUE TYPE
PUSH TOTAL SCORE
Graph the PUSH Total Scores on the Pressure Ulcer Healing Graph below.
PUSH TOTAL SCORE
PRESSURE ULCER HEALING GRAPH
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
APPENDICES
2
1
HEALED = 0
DATE
Note. From Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing tool (PUSH tool) 3.0, by National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.npuap.org/
wp-content/uploads/2012/02/push3.pdf. Reprinted with permission
153
Appendix U:
Resources for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Information
The following websites provide information on diabetic foot ulcer. These are examples only and are not intended
to be a comprehensive listing.
Organizations
American Academy of Wound Management www.aawm.org
American Physical Therapy Association www.apta.org
Association for the Advancement of Wound Care http://aawconline.org/
Australian Wound Management Association www.awma.com.au
Canadian Association of Enterostomanal Therapy www.caet.ca
Canadian Association of Wound Care www.cawc.net
Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca/
Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine http://www.podiatryinfocanada.ca/Public/Home.aspx
Canadian Nurses Association http://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association http://www.podiatrycanada.org/
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/
IDF Consultative Section on the Diabetic Foot/IWGDF http://www.iwgdf.org/
Journal of Wound Care www.journalofwoundcare.com
National Coalition of Wound Care see Association for the Advancement of Wound Care
Tissue Viability Society www.tvs.org.uk
Wound Care Information Network www.medicaledu.com/wndguide.htm
APPENDICES
Wound Healing Society www.woundheal.org

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society www.wocn.org
154
Service Providers

Chiropodists/Podiatrists
Sharp debridement, gait assessment, orthoses, shoes,

shoe modifications soft tissue management, wound healing modalities
Ontario: www.cocoo.on.ca
http://www.ontariochiropodist.com/
Canada: www.podiatrycanada.org
http://www.podiatryinfocanada.ca/

Occupational Therapists
Assistive devices, orthoses, activities of daily living and cognition.

Canada: www.caot.ca
U.S.: www.aota.org

Orthotists
Othoses, braces, total contact casting and shoe modifications.

Canada: www.pando.ca
U.S.: www.oandp.org

Pedorthists
Orthoses, shoes and shoe modifications.

Canada: www.pedorthic.ca
U.S: www.pedorthics.org

Physical Therapists
Sharp debridement, gait assessment, orthoses, assistive devices,

wound healing modalities, exercise prescription, mobility and offloading.
Canada: http://www.physiotherapy.ca/Home
U.S.: http://www.apta.org/
APPENDICES
155
Appendix V: Description of the Toolkit

BPGs can only be successfully implemented if there are adequate planning, resources, organizational and
administrative supports, as well as appropriate facilitation. In this light, the Registered Nurses Association of
Ontario, through a panel of nurses, researchers and administrators, has developed the Toolkit: Implementation
of Best Practice Guidelines (2nd ed.) (2012b). The Toolkit is based on available evidence, theoretical perspectives
and consensus. The Toolkit is recommended for guiding the implementation of any clinical practice guideline
in a health-care organization.
The Toolkit provides step-by-step directions to individuals and groups involved in planning, coordinating and
facilitating the guideline implementation. These steps reflect a process that is dynamic and iterative rather than
linear. Therefore, at each phase, preparation for the next phases and reflection on the previous phase is essential.
Specifically, the Toolkit addresses the following key steps, as illustrated in the Knowledge to Action framework
(RNAO, 2012b; Straus et al., 2009) when implementing a guideline:
1. Identify problem: identify, review, select knowledge (Best Practice Guideline).
2. Adapt knowledge to local context:
Assess barriers and facilitators to knowledge use; and
Identify resources.
3. Select, tailor and implement interventions.
4. Monitor knowledge use.
5. Evaluate outcomes.
6. Sustain knowledge use.
APPENDICES
Implementing guidelines that result in successful practice changes and positive clinical impact is a complex
undertaking. The Toolkit is a key resource for managing this process and can be downloaded at http://rnao.ca/bpg.
156
Clinical Best
Practice Guidelines
MARCH 2013

Facilitating
Second
Edition
Client
Centred Learning
ISBN 978-1-926944-53-1

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Clinical Best

Assessment and Management of

Assessment and Management of

Greetings from Doris Grinspun,

Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD, LLD (Hon), O. ONT.

Greetings from Vasanthi Srinivasan and Susan Williams,

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Process for Guideline Update/Review of Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Appendix K: Use of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Appendix M: Offloading Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

How to Use this Document

Purpose and Scope

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

1.0 Obtain a comprehensive health history and perform physical

1.4 Assess foot ulcer(s) for infectionG using clinical assessment

1.6 Assess affected limb(s) for elevated foot pressure, structural

2.1 Develop a plan of care incorporating goals mutually agreed upon

2.2 Collaborate with the client/family and interprofessional team to

2.3 Collaborate with client/family and the interprofessional team to

3.2 Redistribute pressure applied to foot ulcer(s) by the use of

3.3 Provide health education to optimize diabetes management, foot

3.4 Facilitate client-centred learning based on individual needs to

4.0 Monitor the progress of wound healing on an ongoing basis using

3.1 Provide wound care consisting of debridement, infection control

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

5.1 Educational institutions incorporate the RNAO Nursing Best Practice

ORGANIZATION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONSG

6.0 Use a systematic approach to implement the Assessment and

6.1 Develop policies that acknowledge and designate human, material

6.2 Establish and support an interprofessional, inter-agency team

6.3 Develop processes to facilitate the referral of clients with diabetic

6.4 Advocate for strategies and ongoing funding to assist clients in

Evidence obtained from meta-analysis or systematic reviews of randomized controlled trialsG.

Evidence obtained from at least one randomized controlled trial.

Evidence obtained from well-designed non-experimental descriptive studies, such as

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

RN, CETN(C), BSc (Hons), MClScWH, PhD (cand).

Karen Bruton, RN, BScN, CETN(C)

Professional Practice Leader,

Laurie Goodman, RN, BA, MHScN

Heather Nesbeth, RN, BSN, CDE

Physical Therapist, Wound Resource,

Ruth Thompson, DCh, MCISC-WH

RNAO Best Practice Guideline Program Team

Erica DSouza, BSc, GC

Project Coordinator (June - September 2012),

Project Coordinator (January - March 2013),

Kim English, RN, BScN, MN

Sarah Xiao, RN, MSc, BNSc (Hons)

Nursing Research Associate (July 2012 - March 2013),

Anastasia Harripaul, RN, BScN (Hons)

Rita Wilson, RN, MEd, MN

Nursing Research Associate (February - March 2013),

eHealth Program Manager

Monique Lloyd, RN, PhD

Alice Yang, BBA

Associate Director, Guideline Development,

1.0 Obtain a comprehensive health history and perform physical

1.4 Assess foot ulcer(s) for infectionG using clinical assessment

1.6 Assess affected limb(s) for elevated foot pressure, structural

2.1 Develop a plan of care incorporating goals mutually agreed upon

2.2 Collaborate with the client/family and interprofessional team to

2.3 Collaborate with client/family and the interprofessional team to

3.2 Redistribute pressure applied to foot ulcer(s) by the use of

3.3 Provide health education to optimize diabetes management, foot

3.4 Facilitate client-centred learning based on individual needs to

4.0 Monitor the progress of wound healing on an ongoing basis using

3.1 Provide wound care consisting of debridement, infection control

5.1 Educational institutions incorporate the RNAO Nursing Best Practice

6.0 Use a systematic approach to implement the Assessment and

6.1 Develop policies that acknowledge and designate human, material

6.2 Establish and support an interprofessional, inter-agency team

6.3 Develop processes to facilitate the referral of clients with diabetic

6.4 Advocate for strategies and ongoing funding to assist clients in

*Using 10 or 4 points on the foot is acceptable.