The Pairing Of Patient-Oriented Research And Mixed Methods Research For Prevention of Foot Complications Related To Diabetes: An Exemplar

With increasing prevalence of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers worldwide, practical interventions that are patient-centered are needed to prevent foot complications. In this article, we describe how we used patient-oriented and mixed methods research, using an exploratory and explanatory mixed methods sequence, to develop and test an education and infrared thermometer-based intervention to prevent foot complications for patients with diabetes. We argue that instead of employing a randomized controlled trial alone, the pairing of these methodological approaches offered more. We learned not only that, but also how, the thermometer supports foot self-management. Pairing patient-oriented and mixed-methods research offers many benefits for developing and testing effective and practical interventions, and can provide pertinent information to clinicians and policymakers for practice and policy.