An NTU*-led research team developed WellFeet, a mobile application to equip diabetic patients and their caregivers with knowledge about diabetes and assist them in monitoring their daily routines.
The app aims to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a serious diabetic complication affecting a third of patients with diabetes. As DFUs do not heal easily, lower limb amputations are highly likely if DFUs are not properly monitored and treated. The high reoccurrence rate also entails recurring costs. In Singapore, about one in twelve residents have diabetes. [https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/speech-by-mr-ong-ye-kung-minister-for-health-at-the-launch-of-project-reset-on-27-september-2023-9.10am-at-the-singapore-marriott-tang-plaza-hotel, accessed May 15, 2024]
Forty pairs of patients and their caregivers from TTSH** tested the app. After a month of use, participants reported positive changes in footcare behaviour and self-care routine. [https://www.ntu.edu.sg/docs/default-source/corporate-ntu/hub-news/singapore-researchers-develop-mobile-app-to-help-diabetic-patients-and-their-caregivers-learn-about-and-monitor-their-feet-health.pdf?sfvrsn=f17a8dc2_1, accessed May 15, 2024]
A diabetic participant shared that the information gained from WellFeet led to the cessation of unproven measures that the patient used to practice in hopes of preventing DFUs (eg, reflexology, soaking feet in hot water), while a caregiver reported greater involvement in managing patients’ medications with the knowledge gained from the app.
“WellFeet reflects our commitment to addressing the unique needs of patients and caregivers at risk of or dealing with DFUs,” said project principal investigator Associate Professor Ho Hau Yan Andy from NTU’s LKCMedicine***, Singapore.
Ho added that the app goes beyond traditional approaches by delivering a DFU care and prevention programme that is geared towards improving health literacy and prompting behavioural change. “It is a practical and empowering tool tailored to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals dealing with diabetes in our community.”
“As we step into the future, WellFeet is committed to broadening its impact by expanding its reach. Our vision includes collaborating with the MOHT# and discussing with potential investors, ensuring that our innovative app continues to be at the forefront of fostering positive health outcomes for even more individuals and communities,” Ho continued.
Harnessing the power of digitalization
“WellFeet stands as a testament to the transformative power of digital education in diabetes patient care – an inherently scalable and potentially cost-effective intervention with a proven track record of enhancing health outcomes,” commented site principal investigator Dr Liew Huiling from TTSH, Singapore.
The app may serve as a treasure trove of carefully curated information related to footcare – an all-in-one monitoring system that combines vital health information in a single, user-friendly interface, thus “ushering in a new era of comprehensive and empowering healthcare,” Liew added.
“It’s very satisfying to see that we can have a real impact on people’s lives and that we can strengthen healthcare providers’ efforts in preventing and managing DFUs. [S]erving as an extension of high-quality diabetes care in Singapore, [WellFeet] is a great addition to the support provided to people with diabetes. Even small changes in daily routines matter,” Liew said.
An accessible, user-friendly platform
“With WellFeet, the NTU research team is reaching people at every point in care in diabetes, including managing their diet and foot health, and meeting them where they are. WellFeet will no doubt make an enormous difference in eliminating preventable amputations and suffering – not only in Singapore but, I think, worldwide,” commented Professor David Armstrong from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, US, who was not part of the research team.
“The team’s focus is on crafting a WellFeet user experience for caregivers and patients that is not only visually engaging but also intuitively functional. Above all, it is to deliver evidence-based footcare education for real-life behaviour change,” said project Manager Dr Anita Pienkowska from NTU’s LKCMedicine.
Pienkowska added that they are finetuning the app to ensure it aligns with users’ needs before its planned rollout by mid-2024. “Our goal is to create an accessible, user-friendly platform that prioritizes the well-being of patients in Singapore.”
Future plans are to incorporate artificial intelligence and human health coaching for a more timely and personalized support.