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Living with diabetes presents a myriad of challenges, from managing blood sugar levels to preventing complications like diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Recognising the critical need for comprehensive support for individuals grappling with this chronic condition, a team of researchers led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has developed a groundbreaking mobile application: WellFeet.
This innovative app not only educates diabetic patients and their caregivers about the disease but also assists them in monitoring crucial aspects of their daily lives, including medication adherence, physical activity, and dietary habits.
Diabetes is a prevalent health concern worldwide, with Singapore grappling with its diabetes epidemic. Approximately 8.5% of Singapore residents, translating to roughly 32,000 individuals, are affected by this condition. Among the complications associated with diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers pose a significant threat.
These ulcers occur in approximately one-third of diabetic patients and, if left untreated, can lead to lower limb amputations and increased mortality risks. Moreover, the recurrent nature of DFUs often imposes substantial financial burdens on patients due to ongoing medication and surgical expenses.
WellFeet, an app conceived in collaboration with clinicians from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National Healthcare Group, aims to address this. Its primary objective is to tackle the pervasive issue of diabetic foot ulcers by empowering patients and caregivers with essential knowledge and tools to prevent and manage this complication effectively.
The development process involved rigorous testing and evaluation, with 40 patient-caregiver pairs from Tan Tock Seng Hospital participating in a month-long trial. The results were promising, with participants reporting positive changes in foot care behaviour and diabetes management routines.
WellFeet’s impact extended beyond the confines of a single institution. As part of the “Preventing Limb Losses in Singapore” research project, an additional 835 patients and caregivers from various healthcare institutions across Singapore were enlisted to test the app. This larger-scale initiative aimed to assess current foot care practices among individuals living with diabetes and their caregivers, further validating WellFeet’s potential to revolutionise diabetic care on a national scale.
What sets WellFeet apart from existing applications is its comprehensive approach to patient education. While many apps focus solely on tracking ulcer progression, WellFeet goes above and beyond by offering animated educational content in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. This multilingual feature caters to Singapore’s diverse population and ensures that crucial foot care information is accessible to all.
Associate Professor Andy Ho Hau Yan, the project’s principal investigator, underscored the app’s role in enhancing health literacy and instigating behaviour change among diabetes patients and caregivers. He emphasised WellFeet’s unique value proposition – a DFU-specific training programme delivered via mobile devices, promising scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Dr Liew Huiling, an endocrinologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, lauded WellFeet’s transformative impact on diabetes care. She highlighted the app’s scalability and proven efficacy in improving health outcomes, underscoring its role as a comprehensive monitoring tool that consolidates essential health aspects into a user-friendly interface.
WellFeet plans to integrate AI and health coaching features allowing the app to offer even more personalised and timely support to users. Its impending public release in mid-2024 signifies a significant milestone in Singapore’s ongoing battle against diabetes, promising accessible, evidence-based foot care education tailored to the needs of the local population.
WellFeet offers tech-enabled hope for individuals living with diabetes and their caregivers, offering not just a digital tool but a lifeline – a source of empowerment and support in their journey towards better health and well-being. As Singapore continues to grapple with its diabetes epidemic, initiatives like WellFeet pave the way for innovative solutions that have the potential to transform lives and shape the future of healthcare.
