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HL7 mFHAST Research & Development Environmental Scan

Implementation of foot thermometry plus mHealth to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Implementation of foot thermometry plus mHealth to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

A registered trial from ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT02373592

From the article abstract: 

BACKGROUND:
Diabetic foot neuropathy (DFN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus; its early diagnosis and intervention can prevent foot ulcers and the need for amputation. Thermometry, measuring the temperature of the feet, is a promising emerging modality for diabetic foot ulcer prevention. However, patient compliance with at-home monitoring is concerning. Delivering messages to remind patients to perform thermometry and foot care might be helpful to guarantee regular foot monitoring. This trial was designed to compare the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) between participants who receive thermometry alone and those who receive thermometry as well as mHealth (SMS and voice messaging) over a year-long study period.
METHODS/DESIGN:
This is an evaluator-blinded, randomized, 12-month trial. Individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged between 18-80 years, having a present dorsalis pedis pulse in both feet, are in risk group 2 or 3 using the diabetic foot risk classification system (as specified by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot), have an operating cell phone or a caregiver with an operating cell phone, and have the ability to provide informed consent will be eligible to participate in the study. Recruitment will be performed in diabetes outpatient clinics at two Ministry of Health tertiary hospitals in Lima, Peru.
INTERVENTIONS:
participants in both groups will receive education about foot care at the beginning of the study and they will be provided with a thermometry device (TempStat™). TempStat™ is a tool that captures a thermal image of the feet, which, depending on the temperature of the feet, shows different colors. In this study, if a participant notes a single yellow image or variance between one foot and the contralateral foot, they will be prompted to notify a nurse to evaluate their activity within the previous 2 weeks and make appropriate recommendations. In addition to thermometry, participants in the intervention arm will receive an mHealth component in the form of SMS and voice messages as reminders to use the thermometry device, and instructions to promote foot care.

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EbolaTracks: an automated SMS system for monitoring persons potentially exposed to Ebola virus disease

EbolaTracks: an automated SMS system for monitoring persons potentially exposed to Ebola virus disease

An article from the Euro Surveillance Bulletin

From the Eurosurveillance article abstract: "Depending on an individual risk assessment, and with some variation between countries, passive or active monitoring is recommended for healthcare workers, household and community contacts of persons with Ebola Virus Disease, and in some instances, for travellers from Ebola Virus Disease-affected countries irrespective of a specific exposure history."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunity for use of SMS to effectively track and monitor people who have been exposed to virulent diseases  

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