A retrospective multi-center correlational evaluation of Diabetic Wounds of the Lower Extremity in patients attending an out-patient wound center accompanied versus unaccompanied.

Diabetes is a significant and worsening chronic disease problem in the United States. This complex multi-system pathology often results in widespread end organ damage. Foot infections, ulcerations, and amputations are a serious burden of the disease.  Patients often need to rely on the assistance of a personal caregiver or family member. The impact of caregiver attendance on the progress of diabetic wounds has not previously been studied. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the diabetic lower limb wound outcomes with correlational attendance or absence of a caregiver.  The investigator hypothesizes that diabetic wounds of the lower extremity (DWLE) will demonstrate improvement in wound size and are positively impacted by the attendance of a participating caregiver. The study was conducted in 3 outpatient hospital based wound centers in North Carolina, the sample size was n=85. Patients were categorized into 2 groups, those with >50% accompanied (n=30) or 50% accompanied group demonstrated significantly shorter healing times with lower visit counts and fewer weeks in service. Based on these results, early identification and engagement of a care partner for every patient with a DWLE may prove beneficial in wound healing with faster healing times, fewer complications, reduced morbidity, and lower healthcare costs. Purposeful integration of a caregiver is free and is widely applicable and clinically relevant to diabetic specialty clinics and primary care.