MASTER’S ORAL EXAMINATION
for
Sharon Walsh

Chair: Kawkab Shishani, BSN, PhD, FAAN

Thursday, November 16, 2023, 9:00am – 10:00am

Development of an Education Module for Nurses
Aimed at Enhancing Foot Care Assessment Skills for
Patients During an In-Patient Hospitalization

Abstract

Poor foot health can have a negative effect on both physical and emotional wellbeing along with impacting quality of life. Individuals living with foot complications are at an increased risk for depression linked to loss of function and independence along with financial stress related to loss of income and medical expenses. To optimize foot health, the medical provider and patient both must play an active role in the provision of care. Improving foot health requires early screening to prevent or delay the development of foot disease and increase awareness regarding foot disease risk factors such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries and loss of protective sensation.

The aim of this project is to implement an educational module to enhance foot care assessment skills for nurses that work on a medical/surgical floor at Portland Veteran Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC). The project will teach nurses how to complete a foot assessment utilizing an evidenced based foot screening tool and provide self-foot care education to patients. The educational module will be presented to 25 nurses at PVAMC for completion. The education module will include a 14-page voice over power point, a short video on how to complete a foot screening followed by a quiz to test foot screening knowledge and a survey for module feedback and possible revisions. The educational module prior to implementation will need to be reviewed and approved by management and the clinical nurse leader. Effectiveness of the educational module will be determined based on the feedback provided by the post module survey. This educational module will be sustained by being available on demand for nurses on other units based on managerial approval.

Zoom Information

Zoom:   https://wsu.zoom.us/j/96753401107?from=addon

Meeting ID: 967 5340 1107