Put the Toes Back in Head-to-Toe Nursing Assessments: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Community Health Nursing
• Podiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Vulnerable populations, including the unhoused and seniors, often face significant foot health challenges.
• Basic foot care is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining overall health in these groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the foot health status and care requirements of vulnerable populations.
• To assess the feasibility of nursing students delivering essential foot care services in a community setting.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving 41 nursing students and 72 participants from homeless shelters, transitional housing, and senior low-income housing.
• Students conducted foot assessments using the Simplified 60-Second Diabetic Foot Screening Tool and provided basic care over 10 weeks.
• Participant satisfaction surveys were administered post-intervention.

Main Results:

• A 46% referral rate was observed, with the homeless population showing the highest need for wound or nail care (74%).
• Participant satisfaction with the provided foot care was exceptionally high, averaging 4.88 on a 1-5 Likert scale.

Conclusions:

• Foot care is a critical, yet often overlooked, health issue within vulnerable communities, particularly among the unhoused and elderly.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility and positive impact of nursing students providing essential foot care, underscoring the need for continuous assessment and intervention.