Structured Education Improves Radiographic Detection and Referral in Charcot Foot: A Quasi-experimental Study.
Luis Delgado-Flores1, Josep Maria Muñoz-Vives1, Nuria Pons Diviu1
1Fundació Althaia Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Manresa, Barcelona, Spain.
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Educational interventions significantly improve healthcare professionals' ability to diagnose and refer Charcot foot cases. Face-to-face training was more effective than self-directed learning for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and referral rates.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Orthopedics
- Medical Education
Background:
- Charcot foot involves progressive bone and joint destruction, requiring early diagnosis.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing Charcot foot complications.
- This study evaluated an educational intervention's impact on Charcot foot detection and referral.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention for healthcare professionals.
- To improve radiographic detection and referral accuracy for Charcot foot.
- To compare different educational formats (face-to-face/webinar vs. PDF).
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental, pre-post study involved 30 healthcare professionals (FAs, OTs, FDs).
- Participants underwent baseline assessment, received education, and were reassessed.
- Outcomes measured diagnostic/referral accuracy (scores, Fleiss κ) and Meary angle reliability.
Main Results:
- Orthopaedic/trauma specialists and family physicians showed significant improvements in diagnostic and referral scores post-intervention.
- Interobserver agreement (Fleiss κ) improved substantially for both groups.
- Face-to-face/webinar training yielded better results than the PDF format.
- Excellent interobserver reliability was noted for Meary angle measurements (ICC=0.988).
Conclusions:
- Structured educational interventions effectively enhance clinicians' diagnostic and referral capabilities for Charcot foot.
- Face-to-face instruction is superior to self-directed learning for this educational purpose.
