A team of researchers led by Mae Vogel (UIUC Lead PI), Ann Willemsen-Dunlap (OSF Lead PI), and Caroline Cao (ENG Co-PI) has been recognized with the prestigious Spring 2024 Jump ARCHES Award for their innovative project, Tailored Diabetic Wound Care Educational Tool. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on empowering diabetes patients in outpatient and home care settings by providing personalized education to improve wound care and recovery.
Diabetes is often complicated by wounds and must be handled delicately, especially in non-clinical environments. Many patients struggle to manage these challenges independently, highlighting the need for accessible and practical education. Ann Willemsen-Dunlap explains, "Diabetes is a disease that is frequently complicated by foot ulcers and other wounds that aren't recognized or treated appropriately in the home and outpatient settings. In order to improve outcomes, we need a way to meet patients where they are with very specific education that is presented according to their preferred learning modality."
The project takes a patient-centered approach to design, focusing on the most critical aspects of wound care: identification, packing, and positioning of the affected body part. These components have the greatest impact on patient outcomes. By conducting stakeholder interviews, the team aims to identify the educational needs and preferences of patients, while also determining the types of devices patients use to access information. "No matter how it is delivered, the education will focus on wound identification, packing, and positioning," Ann adds, emphasizing the tool’s practical importance.
Caroline Cao elaborates on the broader goals of the project: "This project aims to advance diabetic care by developing a tailored educational tool for patients in rural communities that emphasizes comprehensive wound care, including packing, identification, and positioning. The emphasis is on human factors, such as usability and effectiveness, and the incorporation of simulation technology in education design."
The tool, currently in its first phase, will use human-centered design principles to develop and test prototypes, ensuring they are both accessible and effective. Usability studies and participatory design will shape a resource that not only educates but also aligns with patient needs. In its next phase, the team plans to scale the tool for integration into rural care practices, addressing critical gaps in diabetes education in non-tertiary care settings.
This initiative aligns closely with Jump ARCHES’ mission of improving patient outcomes through the integration of education and technology. It also represents a forward-thinking step in diabetes care, with the potential to reshape how patients and caregivers manage complex conditions at home. As Caroline notes, "This initiative highlights our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through innovative education strategies and potentially reshaping the landscape of diabetes care beyond hospital settings."
Congratulations to the team for this impactful work, which aims to set new standards in diabetes care while meeting patients where they need it most,in their own homes.