Researchers in Singapore recently introduced a mobile application to teach diabetic patients about diabetic foot ulcers and self-foot care.
function
Developed in consultation with clinicians from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and National Healthcare Group, the app, called WellFeet, provides comprehensive patient education through animations in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. We provide.
It also functions as a patient record and diary, gamifying daily tracking of medications, physical activity, and diet. This data allows your doctor to monitor your progress and customize your exercise goals.
Additionally, the app also features a patient-facing chatbot assistant that helps patients gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, identify patterns and triggers, and ultimately take positive action to change their behavior and mindset. Self-reflection prompts are also provided to help you take action.
The app was first tested in a research project that surveyed approximately 800 patients and caregivers from five healthcare institutions across the country to examine their foot care behaviors. Another study tested the app on 40 pairs of TTSH patients and their caregivers and found that they had positive changes in their foot care behaviors and diabetes self-care routines after using the app for one month. has become clear.
The research team is currently fine-tuning the app with the potential to integrate AI and human health coaching to provide „more timely and personalized support.“ It is expected to be publicly available as a free app by mid-2024. The team is also looking to work with the Department of Health's Healthcare Transformation Agency and investors to seek support to expand the reach of the technology.
Why is it important?
Diabetic foot ulcers can affect up to a third of people with diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to lower extremity amputation and increase the risk of death. In addition, the recurrence rate is high, and patients are burdened by regular drug costs.
The WellFeet research group, led by Nanyang Technological University, said existing apps for diabetics on the market do not include education and generally focus on measuring ulcer progression.
They stated that patient education is a key component of effective prevention. What makes the company's app unique is the way it provides education through multilingual animation, catering to a multi-ethnic population.
market snapshot
Podimetrics of the United States is an established player in the diabetic foot monitoring space with a connectivity platform called SmartMat.
Similar surveillance technology was recently developed by researchers in New Zealand.dubbing foot senseThe device measures body temperature abnormalities in type 2 diabetics and detects early signs of foot complications.