Foot care within the Jordanian healthcare system : a qualitative inquiry of patient's perspectives

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to elaborate patient’s views of diabetic foot care within the Jordanian healthcare system. Design: A qualitative approach with unstructured face‑to‑face interviews was used in this study. Setting: Participants were recruited from six hospitals throughout Jordan plus a university affiliated healthcare centre. Subjects: Seven patients with diabetes and suffering from a foot burn injury were recruited from a university affiliated hospital plus public hospitals located in Amman, the capital of Jordan. In addition to Amman, the facilities were located in two main Jordanian governorates; Irbid and Al‑Karak. Results: Our findings are consistent with what is known about barriers to effective diabetic foot care. Participants were not practising preventive foot care behaviours due to personal beliefs about healthcare and the structure and culture of healthcare practice in Jordan. Specifically, participants of this study believed that the presence of diabetes does not necessitate the need for regular foot examination when there are no active ulcers on their feet. Additionally, providers of healthcare were not performing foot examination as part of regular diabetes care. Conclusions: Efforts should be made to promote preventive care practices within the context of the Jordanian healthcare system. By so doing, the incidence and severity of diabetic foot ulceration and other consequences may be reduced.